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Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$61,250
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.7% vs 2024
$67,040
Mean Salary
$61,250
Median Salary
$29.45
Hourly Rate
4,190 people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in California
Private Detectives and Investigators salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Private Detectives and Investigators in California earn a median salary of $61,250 per year ($5,104/month).
This is 18.0% above the national average of $51,911.
California ranks #7 out of 49 states for Private Detectives and Investigators pay.
Approximately 4,190 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 1.7% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Private Detectives and Investigators
Gather, analyze, compile, and report information regarding individuals or organizations to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment.
Top Skills
Active Listening
4.12
Speaking
4.0
Reading Comprehension
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.88
Complex Problem Solving
3.75
Key Knowledge Areas
English Language
4.21
Customer and Personal Service
4.16
Law and Government
4.02
Computers and Electronics
3.56
Administrative
3.55
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(37.7% of workers)
Salary Range: Private Detectives and Investigators in California
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in California range from $42,600 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $103,410 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $45,380 and $82,110.
Median $61,250
P10: $42,600P25: $45,380P75: $82,110P90: $103,410
10th
$42,600
25th
$45,380
Median
$61,250
75th
$82,110
90th
$103,410
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$42,600
$20.48
$3,550
25th Percentile
$45,380
$21.82
$3,781
Median (50th)
$61,250
$29.45
$5,104
75th Percentile
$82,110
$39.48
$6,842
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$103,410
$49.72
$8,617
Note: The mean (average) salary of $67,040 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#7
California ranks #7 of 49 states
$51,911
National avg. for Private Detectives and Investigators
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in California?
The median annual salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in California is $61,250 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $67,040.
What is the salary range for a Private Detectives and Investigators in California?
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in California range from $42,600 at the 10th percentile to $103,410 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $45,380 and $82,110.
What is the starting salary for a Private Detectives and Investigators in California?
Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators positions in California typically start around $42,600 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $45,380 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 4,190 people are employed as Private Detectives and Investigators in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in California is approximately $29.45 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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