Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in California
The median pay for a detectives and criminal investigators in California is $122,140/year ($58.72/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $79K at the entry level to $165K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $122K get you in California?
About detectives and criminal investigators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level detectives and criminal investigators (10th percentile) start around $79K. Mid-career wages sit at $122K.Top earners bring in $165K or more - a $86K spread from bottom to top.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $126K | +34% | 960 |
| California | $122K | +31% | 11,900 |
| Alaska | $121K | +29% | 130 |
| Washington | $116K | +24% | 1,680 |
| New Jersey | $114K | +22% | 3,000 |
| Hawaii | $112K | +20% | 440 |
| Massachusetts | $111K | +19% | 1,170 |
| Virginia | $110K | +18% | 3,170 |
| Oregon | $107K | +15% | 470 |
| Vermont | $104K | +11% | 210 |
| New York | $103K | +10% | 9,410 |
| Arizona | $103K | +10% | 5,220 |
| Nebraska | $99K | +6% | 280 |
| Pennsylvania | $99K | +6% | 3,390 |
| Montana | $96K | +2% | 470 |
Track detectives and criminal investigators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
Related careers in Public Safety
Frequently asked questions
How much do detectives and criminal investigators make in California?
The median is $122,140 a year - that works out to about $58.72 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $79,350, and experienced detectives and criminal investigators can clear $165,230. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $122K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,228/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 30.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a detectives and criminal investigators salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median detectives and criminal investigators salary is worth about $122,140 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do detectives and criminal investigators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.