State police · California
California Highway Patrol pay scale Officer, California Highway Patrol (class 8397)
An officer, california highway patrol (class 8397) with California Highway Patrol starts at $116,040 and reaches $168,288 at top step.
Base pay only. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra.
Key figures
- Academy pay
- $82,824
- Starting pay
- $116,040
- After probation
- Not in our data
- Top step
- $168,288
- Years to top
- Not in our data
Annualized as monthly x 12 (posted unit is monthly). Range A min $9,670/mo = $116,040 (start); Range C max $14,024/mo = $168,288 (top of Officer class).
Pay ranges
| Range | Published | Annual min | Annual max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Officer Range A | $9,670 to $11,995 a month | $116,040 | $143,940 |
| Officer Range B | $10,115 to $12,537 a month | $121,380 | $150,444 |
| Officer Range C | $11,308 to $14,024 a month | $135,696 | $168,288 |
Pay by rank
| Rank | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Cadet, CHP (8446) | $82,824 | $106,164 |
| Sergeant, CHP (8394) Range A | $141,336 | $175,272 |
| Sergeant, CHP (8394) Range C | $165,780 | $205,608 |
Notes
Academy pay = Cadet minimum $6,902 x 12. Ranges A/B/C are CalHR alternate ranges under criteria 186; criteria text not in this section, so which officers fall in B/C is not stated here. Top pay is the Range C maximum. Excludes the 6.25% 8.5-hour-day pay and other differentials. Schedule updated 10/26/2026; fiscal year not stated.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a California Highway Patrol officer, california highway patrol (class 8397)?
Base pay starts at $116,040 a year, before overtime and incentives. Annualized as monthly x 12 (posted unit is monthly). Range A min $9,670/mo = $116,040 (start); Range C max $14,024/mo = $168,288 (top of Officer class).
How much does a California Highway Patrol officer, california highway patrol (class 8397) make at top step?
Top-step base pay is $168,288 a year. Longevity, overtime and incentive pay are extra.
Are California Highway Patrol recruits paid during the academy?
Yes. The official source gives academy pay of $82,824 a year.
Sources and last checked
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