Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in California
In California, private detectives and investigators earn a median of $60,210 per year.
Median (California)
$60,210
Bottom 10%
$42,430
Top 10%
$102,180
Employed in California
5,260
How California compares
Refit analysis ·In California, private detectives and investigators earn a median of $60,210 — 15% above the national median of $52,370. Locally the range runs $42,430 to $102,180. About 5,260 people hold this role in the state.
Refit analysis ·California ranks #10 of 50 states for private detectives and investigators pay — roughly the 82th percentile among states. That trails the top-paying state (Oregon, $77,320) by 28%. State employment of about 5,260 also shapes how competitive local openings are.
National benchmark
US median
$52,370
US bottom 10%
$37,250
US top 10%
$98,770
Skills that move pay in this role
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Learning Strategies
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