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Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in California

How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$122,140
Median Annual Salary
$120,930
Mean Salary
$122,140
Median Salary
$58.72
Hourly Rate
11,900 people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California

About This Job: Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

Top Skills

Active Listening
4.38
Speaking
4.25
Reading Comprehension
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12
Writing
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Law and Government
4.84
English Language
4.78
Public Safety and Security
4.61
Customer and Personal Service
4.02
Computers and Electronics
3.87
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (73.9% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California

Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California range from $79,350 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $165,230 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $99,520 and $136,250.

Median $122,140
P10: $79,350 P25: $99,520 P75: $136,250 P90: $165,230
10th
$79,350
25th
$99,520
Median
$122,140
75th
$136,250
90th
$165,230
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $79,350 $38.15 $6,612
25th Percentile $99,520 $47.85 $8,293
Median (50th) $122,140 $58.72 $10,178
75th Percentile $136,250 $65.50 $11,354
90th Percentile (Experienced) $165,230 $79.44 $13,769

Note: The mean (average) salary of $120,930 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary by State

Compare Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

Maryland $125,630 Alaska $121,140 Washington $116,450 New Jersey $113,830 Hawaii $112,100 Massachusetts $111,460 Virginia $110,220 Oregon $107,450 Vermont $104,330 New York $103,340

View all 50 states →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in California?
The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California is $122,140 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $120,930.
What is the salary range for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California?
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California range from $79,350 at the 10th percentile to $165,230 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $99,520 and $136,250.
What is the starting salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California?
Entry-level Detectives and Criminal Investigators positions in California typically start around $79,350 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $99,520 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 11,900 people are employed as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California is approximately $58.72 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS