Starting salary is 11th highest of 11. La Mesa Police is highest at $112,153. Top salary is 6th highest of 11. La Mesa Police is highest at $143,145. Source: County salary schedule, June 2026.
pay in the academy officer or deputy range, starting salary to top salary
The median household in San Diego County earns $106,268 a year. Patrols unincorporated areas and contract cities, so the county figure is used.
One officer's starting base pay against the income of a whole household. A rough guide to how far the pay goes where you work. Income: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020 to 2024 five-year estimates, table B19013.
Laterals: up to $20,000 paid in four parts, plus up to $15,000 relocation
Sources, checked Nov 13, 2026: Deputy salary schedule · Deputies' contract 2026 to 2029 · Recruiting site · California DOJ stop data, 2024
Brand not applied. sdsheriff.gov blocked automated requests on the day checked, so colors and logo were not pulled.
Photo: El Cajon Mountain, in the unincorporated county. 080 Black Mountain Summit Views (19) - El Cajon Mountain.jpg by The Fun Chronicles, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and tinted.
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