Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in California (2026)
California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $209,712 | +55.0% | Medium |
| San Diego | $200,241 | +48.0% | Medium |
| San Jose | $232,713 | +72.0% | Medium |
| San Francisco | $250,301 | +85.0% | Medium |
| Fresno | $146,122 | +8.0% | Medium |
| Sacramento | $165,064 | +22.0% | Medium |
| Long Beach | $196,182 | +45.0% | Medium |
| Bakersfield | $146,122 | +8.0% | Medium |
| Anaheim | $192,123 | +42.0% | Medium |
| Santa Ana | $189,417 | +40.0% | Medium |
| Riverside | $173,181 | +28.0% | Medium |
| Stockton | $159,652 | +18.0% | Medium |
| Irvine | $209,712 | +55.0% | Medium |
| San Bernardino | $159,652 | +18.0% | Medium |
| Modesto | $151,534 | +12.0% | Medium |
| Fontana | $165,064 | +22.0% | Medium |
| Moreno Valley | $155,593 | +15.0% | Medium |
| Glendale | $200,241 | +48.0% | Medium |
| Fremont | $216,477 | +60.0% | Medium |
California is home to a very strong job market for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $135,298 per year, California's Detectives and Criminal Investigators 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 $86,237–$111,513, while experienced Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss can command $168,384–$189,794.
Looking ahead, the Detectives and Criminal Investigators 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 Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in California?The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in California is $135,298 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $95,280.
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What city in California pays Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss the most?San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss 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 Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Detectives and Criminal Investigators employment.
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How does California Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary compare to the US average?At $135,298/year, California Detectives and Criminal Investigators salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $95,280/year.