Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in California
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California earn a median of $124,840 a year, +33% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $124,840
- vs. U.S. median
- +33% ($93,790)
- Rank among states
- 3 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 12,610
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $78,280; the top 10% earn over $165,510. Nationally the range is $55,390 to $160,540.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Customs and Border Protection Officers$118,880 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$118,880 median in California
- Coroners$96,980 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Compliance Officers$96,980 median in California
- Animal Control Workers$62,630 median in California
- Private Detectives and Investigators$61,250 median in California
Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay in California
How much do detectives and criminal investigators make in California?
The median is $124,840 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $78,280 and the top 10% earn over $165,510. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for detectives and criminal investigators?
On pay alone it ranks 3 of 51 (+33% vs. the national median of $93,790). Living costs are not included.