California ranks 2nd of 50 states and D.C. for detectives and criminal investigators pay, trailing top-paying Maryland ($125,630) by $3,490 — a 3% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $79,350 to $165,230 — a $85,880 spread, 18% tighter than the national $105,250 range.
California employs roughly 10.7% of all detectives and criminal investigators in the country (11,900 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $79,350 | $38.15 |
| 25th percentile | $99,520 | $47.85 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $122,140 | $58.72 |
| 75th percentile | $136,250 | $65.51 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $165,230 | $79.44 |
| Mean (average) | $120,930 | $58.14 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $122,140 | n/a |
| Maryland | $125,630 | +3% |
| Alaska | $121,140 | -1% |
| Washington | $116,450 | -5% |
| New Jersey | $113,830 | -7% |
| Hawaii | $112,100 | -8% |
| Massachusetts | $111,460 | -9% |
| Virginia | $110,220 | -10% |
| Oregon | $107,450 | -12% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Producers and Directors | $122,150 | 35,650 |
| Commercial Pilots | $122,100 | 5,530 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $122,520 | 11,070 |
| Industrial Engineers | $123,070 | 25,830 |
| Dental Hygienists | $121,080 | 22,940 |
| Physical Therapists | $123,300 | 24,380 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in California?
The mean detectives and criminal investigators salary in California is $120,930 per year. The median (middle) salary is $122,140 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California?
Entry-level detectives and criminal investigatorss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $79,350 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $99,520 per year.
What is the highest Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $165,230 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $136,250 per year.
How does the California Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary compare to the national average?
The median detectives and criminal investigators salary in California is $122,140, which is +31% above national average of $93,580.