Of the 56 Modesto city employees who earned more than $300,000 in total compensation last year, 50 worked in the police or fire departments. Their total pay rivals — and in some cases exceeds — that of city attorneys, department directors and elected officials.
Much of that compensation stems from substantial overtime. Thirteen public safety employees earned more in overtime last year than with their regular pay.
The Bee analyzed compensation data for every full-time Modesto government employee in 2025, including overtime, additional pay and benefits.
City Manager Joe Lopez was paid the most, including benefits, which brought his total compensation to about $451,000…