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Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in California
Ranked #7 of 49 · CA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of private detectives and investigatorss in California earn between $42,600 and $103,410. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean private detectives and investigators salary in California is $67,040, about 11.5% above the U.S. average ($60,150). That works out to roughly $32/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in California
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $70,150 | $78,960 | 430 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $64,060 | $77,160 | 190 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $61,680 | $67,920 | 1,520 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $59,490 | $61,050 | 420 |
| Modesto, CA | $58,460 | $60,200 | 30 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $58,170 | $59,960 | 80 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $51,130 | $58,440 | 350 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $50,220 | $61,260 | 80 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do private detectives and investigators make in California?
The median private detectives and investigators salary in California is $61,250 per year (mean $67,040), and about 80% earn between $42,600 and $103,410.
How much do private detectives and investigators make per hour in California?
Roughly $32 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $67,040 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is California a high-paying state for private detectives and investigators?
California ranks #7 of 49 states for private detectives and investigators pay. Its mean salary of $67,040 is about 11.5% above the U.S. average of $60,150.
Which metro areas in California pay private detectives and investigators the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in California for private detectives and investigators are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($70,150), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($64,060), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($61,680), by median annual wage.