Detective and Criminal Investigator Salary in California (2026)
California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $196,506 | +55.0% | Medium |
| San Diego | $187,631 | +48.0% | Medium |
| San Jose | $218,058 | +72.0% | Medium |
| San Francisco | $234,539 | +85.0% | Medium |
| Fresno | $136,920 | +8.0% | Medium |
| Sacramento | $154,669 | +22.0% | Medium |
| Long Beach | $183,828 | +45.0% | Medium |
| Bakersfield | $136,920 | +8.0% | Medium |
| Anaheim | $180,025 | +42.0% | Medium |
| Santa Ana | $177,489 | +40.0% | Medium |
| Riverside | $162,276 | +28.0% | Medium |
| Stockton | $149,598 | +18.0% | Medium |
| Irvine | $196,506 | +55.0% | Medium |
| San Bernardino | $149,598 | +18.0% | Medium |
| Modesto | $141,991 | +12.0% | Medium |
| Fontana | $154,669 | +22.0% | Medium |
| Moreno Valley | $145,795 | +15.0% | Medium |
| Glendale | $187,631 | +48.0% | Medium |
| Fremont | $202,845 | +60.0% | Medium |
California is home to a very strong job market for Detective and Criminal Investigators. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $126,778 per year, California's Detective and Criminal Investigator salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $80,486–$105,478, while experienced Detective and Criminal Investigators can command $161,710–$183,262.
Looking ahead, the Detective and Criminal Investigator profession in California is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
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What is the average Detective and Criminal Investigator salary in California?The average Detective and Criminal Investigator salary in California is $126,778 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $89,280.
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What city in California pays Detective and Criminal Investigators the most?San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Detective and Criminal Investigators the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
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Is California a good state for Detective and Criminal Investigators?California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Detective and Criminal Investigator employment.
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How does California Detective and Criminal Investigator salary compare to the US average?At $126,778/year, California Detective and Criminal Investigator salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $89,280/year.