Police Officer Salary in San Rafael, CA: $112,165 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in San Rafael, CA earns a median $112,165/year (≈ $53.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in San Rafael's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $99,173 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, police officers in San Rafael, CA, earn a median annual salary of $112,165, significantly above the national median of $78,542. The salary range for officers varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at $70,190 and seasoned professionals in specialized roles earning up to $166,426. Overtime from mandatory court appearances and special details can substantially boost pay, making it a crucial component of compensation in this urban environment. These figures reflect estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living factors that are higher in San Rafael, further emphasizing the importance of understanding local salary dynamics for law enforcement professionals.
About the San Rafael Market
Salary estimated from California average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,190 | $33.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,709 | $41.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $112,165 | $53.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,597 | $68.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $166,426 | $80.02 |
Median Salary Position
42.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Rafael
In San Rafael, CA, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $96,236 (2026 est.). At $112,165, the local median is 42.81% above the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Rafael: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Rafael Police Officer Pay Compares
San Rafael median: $112,165/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Rafael Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $110,508 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $78,542 | +42.81% more |
Police Officers in San Rafael, CA earn a median of $112,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 42.81% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 1.50% above the California state average of $110,508.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Rafael has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Rafael, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $112,165 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,173 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,184
2025 BLS Actual
$108,835
2026 Current Est.
$112,165
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,184 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,597 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,269 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,954 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,223 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,835 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,165 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115,598 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Rafael metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $90,184 (2019) to $108,835 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $115,598 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,414 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Rafael 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) | $70,190 – $86,709 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,709 – $112,165 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $112,165 – $142,597 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,597 – $166,426 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in San Rafael
The job market for police officers in San Rafael is relatively stable, with a total of 11 officers currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living is notably higher, with a cost-of-living index at 113.1, meaning officers must be strategic about their finances and consider how that impacts their take-home pay. Among the top earners in law enforcement locally, federal agencies tend to offer the highest compensation compared to municipal police departments, county sheriff's offices, and state police. Factors such as agency type, union agreements regarding overtime, and specialized unit assignments (like SWAT or detective roles) create a notable disparity in salaries. Officers aiming to maximize their earnings should focus on pursuing educational incentives or seeking promotional opportunities while being mindful of scheduling shifts that can offer higher premiums, especially during holidays and nights. Understanding these elements can empower San Rafael police officers to make informed career choices that align with their financial goals.
More salary data for San Rafael, 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 $108,835 for police officersin the San Rafael 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 Rafael 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