How much are our police paid? Is it competitive?

Our police are the lowest paid in the County.  An entry level police officer earns $63,000 per year.  In Santa Cruz, the salary is $75,500 for an entry-level officer, about 20% higher. Elsewhere in the County, an entry-level officer can early 30-40% more than Scotts Valley. In Mountain View, that same officer would earn $112,000.

The Police Chief earns $184,000. In the County, other Police Chiefs are paid: Santa Cruz ($217,000), Watsonville ($191,000), and Capitola ($167,000).  In Mountain View, the Police Chief earns $298,000.

Even now, SVPD is having difficultly recruiting and retaining trained police officers as the Department is unable to pay a competitive wage. SVPD officers are paid below other agencies in the County.

Show All Answers

1. Where does the City get its money?
2. What is the City's budget?
3. How does Scotts Valley's budget compare to others?
4. How many staff work for the city?
5. How much are our police paid? Is it competitive?
6. How much are City staff paid?
7. What is CalPERS?
8. Can the CalPERS retirement system be canceled?