Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in California
Private Detectives and Investigators in California earn a median of $61,250 a year, +20% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $61,250
- vs. U.S. median
- +20% ($51,220)
- Rank among states
- 7 of 49
- Jobs in the state
- 4,190
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $42,600; the top 10% earn over $103,410. Nationally the range is $36,740 to $97,630.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Compliance Officers$96,980 median in California
- Compliance Managers$174,560 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$91,790 median in California
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts$80,810 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants$77,390 median in California
- Insurance Underwriters$95,320 median in California
Private Detectives and Investigators pay in California
How much do private detectives and investigators make in California?
The median is $61,250 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $42,600 and the top 10% earn over $103,410. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for private detectives and investigators?
On pay alone it ranks 7 of 49 (+20% vs. the national median of $51,220). Living costs are not included.