Private Detectives and Investigators pay in California
Private Detectives and Investigators in California earn an average of $67,040 a year. That is $6,890 (11%) more than the U.S. average of $60,150. The best-paying metro area is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA at $78,960.
Top-paying California metro areas
Average pay for private detectives and investigators by metro area. Swipe to see all 13.
Why people trust JobPayFacts
Private Detectives and Investigators pay in California, charted
Pay over time
Where California private detectives and investigators work
Average pay by state
California vs. neighbors
| Area | Avg. pay | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $60,150 | $28.92 |
| California | $67,040 | $32.23 |
| Oregon | $74,690 | $35.91 |
| Arizona | $62,410 | $30.00 |
Related jobs in California
Average pay, California, May 2025
Questions and answers
How much do private detectives and investigators make in California?
The average is $67,040 a year, and the median is $61,250. That is $6,890 (11%) more than the U.S. average of $60,150.
What is the hourly wage in California?
$32.23 an hour on average; the median is $29.45.
Where in California do they earn the most?
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($78,960), followed by San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($77,160). The lowest average among 13 metro areas with data is Bakersfield-Delano, CA ($50,310).
How does California rank?
California ranks #7 of 49 states (including D.C.) with published data for this job, by average pay.