San Diego vs Modesto: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between San Diego, CA and Modesto, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,778▲ | $101,236 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.70▲ | $48.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,397 | $80,624▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,880▲ | $83,571 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,485▲ | $101,998 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,610▲ | $127,475 |
| Total Employed | 4,950▲ | 960 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Modesto.
The salary gap between San Diego and Modesto is $12,542 (12.39%). San Diego's median is +44.86% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $76,213,Modesto spans $46,851. San Diego has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Diego ($101,690 effective) pays 4.57% 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 San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,778/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,610)
- ✓Larger job market (4,950 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,690)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Modesto if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in San Diego grew 18.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in Modesto over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$92,830 (2019) → $110,400 (2025)
Modesto, CA
$84,790 (2019) → $98,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Modesto, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: San Diego or Modesto?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Modesto?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Modesto as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in San Diego vs Modesto?
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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