Protective Service Occupations in California
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | California | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,500 | $50,580 | +9.7% vs US |
| State Rank | #19 of 54 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 434,650 jobs | 3,654,910 jobs | 11.9% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $36,870 | $17.73 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,410 | $19.91 |
| Median | $55,500 | $26.68 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,780 | $47.49 |
| 90th Percentile | $129,370 | $62.20 |
Related Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Protective Service Occupations in California in 2026?
With a median salary of $55,500 in California and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +33.2%, protective service occupations are still in strong and growing demand.
How can protective service occupations increase their salary in California?
Protective Service Occupations in California can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: California currently ranks #19 out of 54 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Protective Service Occupations in California?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Postal Service (Federal Government) | $95,240 |
| Postal Service (Federal Government) | $95,240 |
| Motion Picture and Video Exhibition | $91,510 |
How are Protective Service Occupations paid in California compared to the national average?
The median salary for Protective Service Occupations in California is $55,500, which is 9.7% above the national median of $50,580.