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Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$124,840
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.2% vs 2024
$121,530
Mean Salary
$124,840
Median Salary
$60.02
Hourly Rate
12,610 people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California
Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California earn a median salary of $124,840 per year ($10,403/month).
This is 37.8% above the national average of $90,619.
California ranks #3 out of 51 states for Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay.
Approximately 12,610 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 2.2% compared to 2024.
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)
Salary Range: Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California range from $78,280 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $165,510 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $99,270 and $136,020.
How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in California?
The median annual salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California is $124,840 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $121,530.
What is the salary range for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California?
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California range from $78,280 at the 10th percentile to $165,510 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $99,270 and $136,020.
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 $78,280 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $99,270 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 12,610 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 $60.02 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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.
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