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Average First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives Salary in California

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives in California command an impressive average annual salary of $162,570, significantly outpacing the national average of $87,410. This substantial difference is largely driven by California's robust economy, higher operational costs for law enforcement agencies, and the specialized nature of leadership roles within the state's complex public safety landscape.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $162,570 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $205,820.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 12,980 individuals in this role, California demonstrates a considerable presence of First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume indicates a stable and significant demand for experienced leadership within the state's law enforcement sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$162,570

The average First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives in California earns+86.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$78.2

Weekly

$3,126

Monthly

$13,548

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives is strongly tied to experience and tenure. Entry-level supervisory roles typically start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities can ascend to the highest salary brackets. The widening gap between lower and higher salary percentiles signifies clear career progression pathways and the significant value placed on accumulated expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$123,450$59.4
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$121,928$58.6
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$162,740$78.2
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$203,213$97.7
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$205,820$99

Detailed First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$162,570

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$117,379

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the nominal salary of $162,570 appears highly attractive, it must be considered within California's elevated Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that while earnings are substantially higher than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat tempered by the increased expenses associated with housing, goods, and services across the state. Careful budgeting is essential for maximizing the financial benefits of this compensation.

Job Market Context

12,980

Total Jobs

0.719

Per 1K Jobs

0.72

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.72x the national average concentration of First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.72 indicates that First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives are present in California at a rate slightly lower than the national average relative to the overall workforce. This suggests that while the state employs a significant number of these professionals, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for qualified individuals seeking these leadership positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectivess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives make in California?

The median annual salary for a First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives in California is $162,570. This typically ranges from $123,450 for entry-level positions to $205,820 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 86.0% higher than the national median of $87,410.

Is California a lucrative place for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives?

Yes, California is a highly lucrative place for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives.The average salary of $162,570 is nearly double the national average, indicating strong earning potential despite the higher cost of living.

Is California a good place to live for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($122,080) and Visalia, CA.

How does California's salary compare to the national average for this role?

The average annual salary in California ($162,570) is substantially higher than the national average ($87,410), nearly doubling the typical earnings for this profession.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in California?

An LQ of 0.72 suggests that while First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives are well-represented in California, their concentration is slightly below the national average, implying a stable but not overly saturated job market.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in California?

California's Cost of Living Index of 138.5 means that expenses are significantly higher than the national average. While the high salary helps, it's crucial to factor in these increased costs for realistic financial planning.

What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate?

With 0.719 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric provides context on the prevalence of these supervisory roles within the broader Californian workforce, suggesting a consistent demand for leadership in law enforcement.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,980 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.719 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.