Police Officer in Lakewood, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

As a local, I can tell you that policing in Lakewood is a different beast than in Los Angeles proper. The city is a grid of well-kept suburbs, mid-century homes, and busy commercial corridors like Lakewood Boulevard. The job here is less about high-rise pursuits and more about community engagement, traffic enforcement on the 605 Freeway, and responding to calls in neighborhoods like the "Lakewood Village" or near the sprawling Mayfair Park. The pay is a reflection of that unique, stable municipal environment.

The median salary for a Police Officer in Lakewood is $78,393/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $37.69/hour. When you compare this to the national average of $74,910/year, Lakewood sits slightly above the country-wide figure, which is typical for California. However, it's crucial to understand that this is a median, meaning half of the officers make more, and half make less. Your starting point and career trajectory will determine where you land on that scale.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages, based on standard municipal police department pay scales in Southern California. These are estimates, as exact step plans are set by the City of Lakewood's Personnel Department in conjunction with the Lakewood Police Officers' Association (LPOA) collective bargaining agreement.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Service	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Lakewood)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (Police Officer I)	0 - 2.5	$68,000 - $75,000	Patrol, basic investigations, field training officer (FTO) program.
Mid-Level (Police Officer II)	2.5 - 5.5	$78,000 - $88,000	Solo patrol, minor case ownership, special assignment eligibility.
Senior (Police Officer III / Lead)	5.5 - 10+	$88,000 - $105,000+	Field training officer, detective track, specialized units (traffic, K9).
Expert (Sergeant)	10+	$110,000 - $135,000+	Shift supervisor, community policing program manager.

Insider Tip: The jump from Officer I to Officer II is a significant pay bump, often tied to completing the probationary period and passing additional training. The real financial leap, however, comes with specialty assignments. Officers assigned to the department's Traffic or K-9 units often receive a monthly stipend, pushing their take-home pay closer to the $90,000 mark even before promotion to sergeant.

When you compare Lakewood to other major California cities, the picture gets nuanced. Cities like Los Angeles (LAPD) and Long Beach have higher top-out salaries but also a much higher cost of living and, often, a higher volume of high-risk calls. A smaller city like Lakewood offers a more predictable, community-focused work environment. The 3% 10-year job growth for police officers, as projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is a national figure. In the Lakewood area, which is part of the larger Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro, the job market for law enforcement is stable but competitive. There are approximately 156 police officer jobs in the immediate metro area, which includes nearby cities like Cerritos, Bellflower, and Signal Hill. This means you're not just competing for one position; you're competing for a spot in a small, tight-knit department.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally honest about the numbers. Lakewood's cost of living is 15.5% higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 115.5. The biggest bite out of your paycheck will be housing.

Average 1BR Rent in Lakewood: $2,252/month

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for a mid-level Police Officer earning the median salary of $78,393/year (or about $6,532/month gross).

Category	Estimated Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$6,532	Pre-tax
Taxes (Fed, CA State, FICA)	~ $1,900	This is an estimate; varies by deductions.
Net Monthly Take-Home	~ $4,632	After taxes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$2,252	Mid-range unit in a safe complex.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$180	Southern California Edison, Lakewood Water.
Car Payment & Insurance	$600	CA auto insurance is high due to traffic density.
Food & Groceries	$500	Lakewood has no major grocery chains; you'll drive to nearby Ralphs, Vons, or Food 4 Less.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$300	Most municipal jobs offer great coverage, sometimes minimal employee cost.
Retirement (PEERS)	$450	California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) contribution is mandatory.
Misc. (Phone, Subscriptions)	$200
Remaining / Savings	~$150	This is tight. Overtime, specialty pay, or a dual-income household is often necessary.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the toughest question. The median home price in Lakewood is over $900,000. With a $4,632 monthly net income, qualifying for a mortgage is nearly impossible on a single income. The standard debt-to-income ratio would be shattered by the rent/mortgage alone. Insider Tip: Many officers in this area live with a working spouse/partner or purchase homes in more affordable neighboring cities like Compton, Norwalk, or Downey, accepting a longer commute. Some also wait until reaching a senior officer or sergeant rank ($110,000+) before considering a purchase, often in a dual-income household.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood is a city of about 78,132 people. Its police department is the primary employer for sworn law enforcement, but the job market extends to related fields and nearby jurisdictions.

1. Lakewood Police Department: The main employer. They hire in waves, typically once or twice a year. The best source is the City of Lakewood's official website's "Employment" page. The department is known for its community policing model. Hiring trends are steady but slow; expect a process that takes 6-9 months from application to academy.
2. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD): While not a Lakewood employer, LASD patrols unincorporated areas and has contract cities nearby. Many officers live in Lakewood and commute to LASD stations in Compton, Carson, or Norwalk. This offers a larger career path and more specialized units.
3. Long Beach Police Department: A major regional employer just west of Lakewood. Long Beach has a larger, more urbanized department with harbor duties, aerospace security, and a major port. The pay scale is similar to Lakewood, but the citywide cost of living is marginally higher.
4. Cerritos Public Safety (Public Safety Officer): The neighboring city of Cerritos employs Public Safety Officers who are cross-trained as both police officers and firefighters. It's a unique, competitive path with a different academy and pay structure.
5. School Districts: The Lakewood Public School District and the ABC Unified School District (which serves parts of Lakewood) employ School Resource Officers (SROs) and campus security. While often filled by existing officers, these are career tracks for later in your tenure.
6. Private Security (Corporate Campuses): The Lakewood area is home to large corporate offices and business parks. Companies like Northrop Grumman (nearby in El Segundo, but many employees live in Lakewood) and various manufacturing and logistics companies hire for in-house security, which can be a stepping stone or a post-retirement gig.

Getting Licensed in CA

To be a police officer in California, you must meet the standards set by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). This is non-negotiable.

• Basic Requirements: You must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, possess a high school diploma or GED, have no felony convictions, and pass a rigorous background check, physical agility test, and psychological evaluation.
• Path to Certification: The most common path is to be hired by a department (like Lakewood PD) and then attend a POST-certified police academy. Some individuals self-sponsor through an academy, but this is risky and not always preferred by hiring agencies, as they want to train you their way.
• Timeline & Costs: The academy itself is about 6 months long. Post-academy, you enter a field training program (FTO) for another 4-6 months. The total time from hire to solo patrol is roughly one year. Cost: If you are hired by Lakewood PD, they pay for your academy and training. If you self-sponsor, the cost can range from $8,000 to $15,000 for tuition, gear, and fees. The best move is to apply directly to the department.
• Insider Tip: Start preparing for the physical agility test (PAT) now. It typically includes a 1.5-mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, and a sprint. The standards are strict. Also, begin assembling your personal history statement; honesty is paramount, and the background investigator will dig deep.

Best Neighborhoods for Police Officers

Lakewood itself is the ideal place to live if you work for the Lakewood PD—zero commute. However, housing costs push officers to surrounding areas.

1. Lakewood (Central): The heart of the city. Close to everything: department headquarters, parks (like Rynerson Park), and the 605/91 freeway interchange.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to the LPD station.
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, family-oriented, very suburban.
   • Rent Estimate: $2,200 - $2,600 for a 1BR.
2. Bellflower (East): A direct neighbor to Lakewood, similar in feel but slightly more affordable. Has its own main street (Bellflower Blvd) with shops and eateries.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to LPD. Easy access to the 91 freeway.
   • Lifestyle: Working-class, diverse, good food scene.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,950 - $2,300 for a 1BR.
3. Cerritos (South): Known for excellent schools and a higher median income. It's cleaner and more manicured than Lakewood. The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is a local hub.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to LPD via Lakewood Blvd or Artesia Blvd.
   • Lifestyle: Upscale suburban, very safe, a bit more isolated.
   • Rent Estimate: $2,300 - $2,800 for a 1BR.
4. Downey (Northeast): More industrial and older, but significantly cheaper. Home to the historic Downey Theatre and the old McDonald's headquarters.
   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to LPD. Can be congested on Firestone Blvd.
   • Lifestyle: Affordable, no-frills, strong local community.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,750 - $2,100 for a 1BR.
5. Signal Hill (North): This tiny city is an enclave surrounded by Long Beach. It has a unique, hilly landscape and a more urban feel. It's a great compromise if you work for Long Beach PD but want a slightly different vibe.
   • Commute: 25-35 minutes to LPD (through Long Beach traffic).
   • Lifestyle: Hilly, panoramic views, younger demographic.
   • Rent Estimate: $2,100 - $2,500 for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career with the Lakewood Police Department is stable, with a clear path for advancement. The 3% 10-year job growth is a conservative estimate; internal promotions provide the real growth.

• Specialty Premiums: Beyond base pay, officers can earn additional income. The Traffic Unit and K-9 Unit often have stipends of $150-$300 per month. Detectives in the Special Investigations Unit may also receive a premium. Specialized training (e.g., Crisis Negotiation, Evidence Technician) doesn't always come with direct pay but is critical for promotion.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Patrol Officer (I, II, III): The foundation. Gain 3-5 years of solid experience.
  2. Field Training Officer (FTO): A coveted role. You train new recruits. This is a resume booster for promotion.
  3. Detective: Requires an investigative mindset and strong report writing. You'll work on property crimes, burglaries, or eventually major crimes.
  4. Sergeant: The first supervisory rank. Requires leadership skills, test, and interview.
  5. Lieutenant & Captain: Senior command staff, involved in policy, budget, and community relations.
• 10-Year Outlook: After 10 years, a dedicated officer who has reached a senior pay step and possibly a specialty assignment could be earning $95,000 - $110,000 as an officer, or $120,000+ as a sergeant. The key is to avoid complacency. Get involved in community events, volunteer for special teams, and continue your education (a bachelor's degree is often preferred for promotion).

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Family-Friendly City: Lakewood is famously one of the safest and most stable communities in LA County.	High Cost of Living: The $2,252 rent on a $78,393 salary makes homeownership nearly impossible without a second income.
Manageable Call Volume: Unlike downtown LA, the calls are often less violent and more community-oriented.	Limited Housing in City: You'll likely commute from a neighboring city, adding to daily stress and costs.
Strong Community Support: The city council and residents generally support the police department.	Competitive Hiring: The department is small; openings are limited. You need a flawless application.
Good Benefits: CalPERS pension, health insurance, and take-home vehicle policies are strong.	Slower Pace: If you crave high-action, urban policing, Lakewood may feel too quiet.
Central Location: Easy access to beaches, mountains, and the greater LA region via freeways.	Traffic: The 605 and 91 freeways are notoriously congested during rush hour.

Final Recommendation: Lakewood is an excellent choice for a police officer who values community, stability, and a manageable work-life balance. It's ideal if you have a partner with an income or are willing to live in a more affordable neighboring city. If you're single and aiming to buy a home within a few years, the financial math is challenging. Consider Lakewood as a long-term career home, not just a starting point. The experience you gain here is highly respected across the region.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to get hired by Lakewood PD?
From the first application to the first day at the academy, expect a 6 to 9-month process. It involves a written exam, physical agility test, oral board interview, background investigation, polygraph, psychological exam, and medical screening. Be patient and persistent.

2. Do I need a college degree?
A high school diploma is the minimum, but most successful applicants have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree. It's not always required, but it sets you apart. A degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, or Public Administration is valuable.

3. Is the pension with CalPERS good?
Yes, for the long term. CalPERS is a defined-benefit pension. You contribute a percentage of your salary, and the city contributes as well. After 30 years of service, you can retire with a pension that's a percentage of your highest salary. It's a major reason people take municipal jobs. Insider Tip: Understand the "2% at 50" or "2% at 55" formula specific to your bargaining unit (LPOA). It's your financial roadmap.

4. What is the biggest challenge for a new officer in Lakewood?
Beyond the obvious, the biggest challenge is often building rapport in a city that is already well-established and sometimes resistant to change. Lakewood residents are proud of their community. Your job isn't just to enforce laws but to be a neighbor. Showing up to community meetings, coaching youth sports, or just chatting with business owners on Lakewood Boulevard builds the trust that defines this department.

5. Can I work for Lakewood PD and live elsewhere?
Absolutely. While living in the city is convenient, many officers live in neighboring cities like Cerritos, Bellflower, Downey, or Long Beach. The key is to have a reliable vehicle and be prepared for a commute, especially during shift changes.