Private Detectives and Investigators in California
Local pay for private detectives and investigators in California, on the same wage scale as the U.S. Growth and openings are national.
SOC 33-9021
$61,250
median pay, California
4,190
employed in California
+19.6%
vs U.S. median
+6.0%
growth, 2024–34 (U.S.)
What private detectives and investigators earn in California
California · annual wage · OEWS May 2025
Half of private detectives and investigators in California earn between $45,380 and $82,110 a year; the U.S. median is $51,220.
$42,600
P10
$61,250
MEDIAN
$82,110
P75
$103,410
P90
Pay by metro in California
$70,150
$64,060
$61,680
$59,490
$58,460
$58,170
$51,130
$50,220
$20k $80k $140k