📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Fire Investigator Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$99,798
per year
Median
$95,538
per year
Hourly
$47.98
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$67,209
25th Percentile — Junior$84,533
50th Percentile — Median$95,538
75th Percentile — Senior$123,512
90th Percentile — Top Earners$137,538
💡 Top-earning Fire Investigators in California make up to $137,538 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$86.1k
2021
$88.7k
2022
$91.3k
2023
$94.1k
2024
$96.9k
2025
$99.8k
2026
📈 Fire Investigator salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Fire Investigator Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $154,687 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $147,701 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $171,653 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $184,626 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $107,782 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $121,754 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $144,707 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $107,782 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $141,713 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $139,717 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $127,741 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $117,762 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $154,687 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $117,762 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $111,774 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $121,754 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $114,768 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $147,701 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $159,677 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Fire Investigator Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Fire Investigators. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $99,798 per year, California's Fire 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 $67,209–$84,533, while experienced Fire Investigators can command $123,512–$137,538.

Looking ahead, the Fire Investigator profession in California is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Fire Investigator salary in California is $99,798 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $70,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Fire Investigators the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Fire Investigator employment.
  • At $99,798/year, California Fire Investigator salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $70,280/year.