Police Officer Salary in San Clemente, CA: $109,941 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in San Clemente, CA earns a median $109,941/year (≈ $52.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in San Clemente's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $97,207 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, police officer salaries in San Clemente, California, are projected to reach a median annual figure of $109,941, surpassing the national median of $78,542 by nearly 40%. This robust compensation range spans from $65,225 at the 10th percentile to $169,723 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse salary landscape shaped by various factors. Estimates reflecting these figures are sourced from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost considerations in the San Clemente area. With the city's unique geographic location and socio-economic dynamics, the pay scale here reflects a reasonable competition for skilled law enforcement professionals in a coastal community, underscoring the importance of the municipal, county, and federal employment structures available.
About the San Clemente Market
Salary estimated from California average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,225 | $31.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,498 | $41.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $109,941 | $52.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $140,725 | $67.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $169,723 | $81.60 |
Median Salary Position
39.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Clemente
In San Clemente, CA, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $104,498 (2026 est.). At $109,941, the local median is 39.98% above the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Clemente: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Clemente Police Officer Pay Compares
San Clemente median: $109,941/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Clemente Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $110,605 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | +39.98% more |
Police Officers in San Clemente, CA earn a median of $109,941 per year (2026 est.), which is 39.98% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 0.60% below the California state average of $110,605.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Clemente has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Clemente, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $109,941 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $97,207 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,396
2025 BLS Actual
$106,677
2026 Current Est.
$109,941
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,396 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,741 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,091 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,176 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,473 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,677 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,941 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $113,306 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Clemente metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $88,396 (2019) to $106,677 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $113,306 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,910 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Clemente 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) | $65,225 – $86,498 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,498 – $109,941 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $109,941 – $140,725 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $140,725 – $169,723 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in San Clemente
Examining the local job market reveals that there are currently 10 police officers employed in San Clemente, a community characterized by a cost of living index of 113.1, which is above the national average. This elevated cost of living impacts take-home purchasing power, necessitating effective financial planning for officers. Among law enforcement employers, municipal police departments generally provide the most competitive salaries, while federal agencies like the FBI offer higher pay scales in specialized roles, reflecting a common trend where federal positions generally lead in compensation. Factors such as special unit assignments, educational pay incentives, and union-negotiated overtime can drive income variability for officers. To maximize their earning potential, candidates in San Clemente should consider advanced training and seek opportunities within specialized units that provide additional stipends and benefits, which are essential for navigating the financial realities of living and working in this desirable coastal city.
More salary data for San Clemente, 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 $106,677 for police officersin the San Clemente 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 San Clemente 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