Modesto vs San Francisco: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Modesto, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Modesto, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,236 | $136,039▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.68 | $65.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,624 | $98,309▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,571 | $128,794▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,998 | $146,149▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,475 | $161,485▲ |
| Total Employed | 960 | 7,990▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Modesto.
The salary gap between Modesto and San Francisco is $34,803 (34.38%). San Francisco's median is +73.21% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Modesto spans $46,851,San Francisco spans $63,176. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($117,668 effective) pays 21.01% more than Modesto ($97,241 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Modesto if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,039/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,485)
- ✓Larger job market (7,990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,668)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Modesto grew 15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.5% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Modesto, CA
$84,790 (2019) → $98,230 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$121,650 (2019) → $132,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Modesto, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Modesto or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Modesto and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Modesto to San Francisco as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Modesto vs San Francisco?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov