Police Officer Salary in Pasadena, CA: $111,404 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Pasadena, CA earns a median $111,404/year (≈ $53.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Pasadena's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $98,500 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for police officers in Pasadena, California, is estimated at $111,404. This figure is significantly higher than the national median of $78,542, reflecting a local market that often requires specialized skills and commitments. The salary range for Pasadena officers spans from $69,270 at the entry level to $172,676 for those at the upper end of the pay scale. Estimates derived from state-level data and regional price adjustments indicate a strong compensation structure enhanced by mandatory overtime associated with court appearances and special details. Such overtime policies can lead to enhanced earnings, increasing the effective pay for officers who maximize these opportunities.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from California average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,270 | $33.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,885 | $41.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $111,404 | $53.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,597 | $68.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $172,676 | $83.01 |
Median Salary Position
41.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
In Pasadena, CA, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $103,406 (2026 est.). At $111,404, the local median is 41.84% above the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasadena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasadena Police Officer Pay Compares
Pasadena median: $111,404/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasadena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $110,520 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $78,542 | +41.84% more |
Police Officers in Pasadena, CA earn a median of $111,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 41.84% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 0.80% above the California state average of $110,520.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasadena has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasadena, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $111,404 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,500 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,572
2025 BLS Actual
$108,096
2026 Current Est.
$111,404
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,572 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,962 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,643 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,316 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,522 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,088 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,096 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,404 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,813 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasadena metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $89,572 (2019) to $108,096 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $114,813 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,241 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $69,270 – $85,885 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,885 – $111,404 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $111,404 – $142,597 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,597 – $172,676 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Pasadena
With only 35 police officers currently employed in Pasadena, the local employment landscape can be quite competitive. The cost of living index at 113.1 indicates that living expenses are above the national average, which necessitates careful financial planning for officers looking to maximize their take-home purchasing power. Municipal police departments typically offer competitive salaries, but the highest compensation can often be found in federal law enforcement roles such as the FBI or DEA. Factors contributing to the salary spread include union contracts, overtime structures, and special assignments like SWAT or K-9 units, which come with additional stipends. Educational incentives also play a role; officers with advanced degrees may see their salaries increase substantially. For those aiming to enhance their earnings in Pasadena, pursuing specialized training, seeking opportunities in federal agencies, or considering positions with overtime potential could be key strategies to optimize compensation within this dynamic marketplace.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $108,096 for police officersin the Pasadena metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pasadena is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for police officers (SOC 33-3051).
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