Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in California

BLS OEWS May 2025 • 13 metro areas • California

Private Detectives and Investigators in California earn a median salary of $57,045 per year on average across 13 metro and nonmetro areas, +8.9% vs the national median of $52,370. An estimated 4,450 private detectives and investigators are employed across California, with salaries ranging from $45,710 to $75,400 depending on location.

$57,045 Avg median salary in California
$75,400 Highest paying metro
$45,710 Lowest paying metro
4,450 Employed in California

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      Private Detectives and Investigators salaries by city in California

      Metro area Median salary 25th pct 75th pct Employed
      San Francisco, CA $75,400 $50,180 $103,840 540
      San Jose, CA $69,500 $57,220 $89,290 380
      Los Angeles, CA $59,950 $45,710 $82,310 1,780
      San Diego, CA $59,840 $44,550 $76,240 340
      Stockton, CA $59,640 $43,800 $72,160 110
      Vallejo, CA $58,250 $44,470 $78,680 40
      Riverside, CA $57,680 $43,310 $76,420 500
      Oxnard, CA $57,130 $48,120 $63,980 100
      Sacramento, CA $51,650 $43,090 $65,260 410
      Modesto, CA $51,560 $43,190 $64,730 40
      Fresno, CA $48,880 $41,910 $62,190 80
      Bakersfield, CA $46,390 $42,250 $67,250 70
      Visalia, CA $45,710 $42,100 $58,370 60

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