Intro
Discover the San Francisco Police salary ranges and benefits. Learn about the average annual pay, overtime rates, and education incentives that make SFPD officers among the highest-paid in the US. Get the inside scoop on the 5-figure salaries and perks that come with serving and protecting the City by the Bay.
The San Francisco Police Department is one of the most respected and well-compensated law enforcement agencies in the United States. As a major city with a high cost of living, San Francisco's police officers are paid a premium to reflect the city's unique economic conditions. In this article, we will delve into the San Francisco police salary structure, highlighting five key figures that you should know.

1. Starting Salary: $89,856 per year
The starting salary for a San Francisco police officer is $89,856 per year, which is among the highest in the country. This figure is based on a 40-hour workweek and does not include overtime pay, which can significantly boost an officer's annual earnings. For comparison, the national average starting salary for police officers is around $50,000 per year.
Salary Ranges for Different Ranks
Here are the salary ranges for different ranks within the San Francisco Police Department:
- Police Officer: $89,856 - $124,632 per year
- Police Officer II: $100,932 - $143,232 per year
- Sergeant: $126,132 - $173,232 per year
- Lieutenant: $146,932 - $204,232 per year
- Captain: $168,932 - $236,232 per year

2. Average Salary: $114,000 per year
According to data from the City of San Francisco, the average salary for a police officer in the San Francisco Police Department is around $114,000 per year. This figure takes into account the salaries of all police officers, including those with varying levels of experience and rank.
Factors Affecting Salary
Several factors can affect a police officer's salary in San Francisco, including:
- Length of service: More experienced officers tend to earn higher salaries.
- Rank: Higher-ranking officers earn more than lower-ranking officers.
- Education: Officers with higher levels of education, such as a bachelor's degree, may earn more than those with lower levels of education.
- Special assignments: Officers assigned to specialized units, such as SWAT or K-9, may earn more than those in regular patrol units.

3. Overtime Pay: Up to $50,000 per year
San Francisco police officers can earn significant overtime pay, which can boost their annual earnings by up to $50,000. Overtime pay is typically earned by working extra shifts, including night shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Overtime Pay Rates
Here are the overtime pay rates for San Francisco police officers:
- 1.5 times regular rate for overtime worked on weekdays
- 2 times regular rate for overtime worked on weekends and holidays

4. Benefits: Comprehensive Health Insurance and Retirement Plan
San Francisco police officers receive comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits, which are among the best in the country. The city offers a range of health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement Plan
The San Francisco Police Department offers a defined benefit retirement plan, which provides a guaranteed retirement income based on an officer's length of service and final salary. The plan is administered by the San Francisco Employees' Retirement System (SFERS).

5. Education and Training: Opportunities for Advancement
The San Francisco Police Department offers a range of education and training opportunities to help officers advance their careers. These opportunities include:
- Police academy training
- Specialized training in areas such as SWAT, K-9, and crisis negotiation
- Leadership development programs
- Education reimbursement programs
Education Reimbursement
The San Francisco Police Department offers an education reimbursement program, which provides financial assistance to officers pursuing higher education degrees. The program reimburses officers for up to 100% of tuition costs.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the San Francisco police salary structure. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please leave a comment below.
What is the starting salary for a San Francisco police officer?
+The starting salary for a San Francisco police officer is $89,856 per year.
How much overtime pay can San Francisco police officers earn?
+San Francisco police officers can earn up to $50,000 per year in overtime pay.
What benefits do San Francisco police officers receive?
+San Francisco police officers receive comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits, including a defined benefit retirement plan.