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Police Officer Salary in Bakersfield, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Bakersfield's cost of living (index: 104). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Police Officer Salary in Bakersfield β€” Key Numbers

$75,171
Median Salary
$57,023
25th Percentile
$101,525
75th Percentile
$129,688
90th Percentile
National median (Police Officer)$72,280
vs. National median+4.0%
Bakersfield median household income$65,200
vs. City household income+15.3%

Cost of Living in Bakersfield

Cost of Living Index
104(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,350/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio21.6%
Annual rent cost$16,200
Median Home Price$340,000
Home Price / Salary4.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$68,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.5 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Bakersfield

6.8%
Unemployment Rate
910,000
Metro Population
25 min
Avg Commute
31.2
Median Age

Bakersfield has a metro population of 910,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 6.8% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Police Officer make in Bakersfield, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Police Officer in Bakersfield is $75,171 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $72,280 adjusted by Bakersfield's cost of living index (104). The typical salary range runs from $57,023 (25th percentile) to $101,525 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $129,688.

Is Bakersfield affordable for a Police Officer?

On a $75,171 annual salary, a Police Officer in Bakersfield would spend approximately 21.6% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,350/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Bakersfield relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $340,000 is 4.5Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Police Officer's salary compare to Bakersfield's overall income?

Bakersfield's median household income is $65,200. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $75,171 earns 15.3% more than the typical Bakersfield household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.