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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forensic Detective in California is $74,481 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Forensic Detective's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Forensic Detective Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $84,554 | $7,046 | $1,626 | $41 |
| Average | $74,481 | $6,207 | $1,432 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,194 | $5,183 | $1,196 | $30 |
Autto - SALT LAKE CITY, UT
Southwest CARE Center - SANTA FE, NM
Community Healthcare Partners - GRAND ISLAND, NE
Corus Health - ALBUQUERQUE, NM
A Forensic Detective's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Forensic Detectives. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Forensic Detective roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 14% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Education, offers compensation 8% above the average. Conversely, Forensic Detective positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Forensic Detective as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | $80,440 | $39.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Forensic Detective's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $84,554 | $7,046 | $1,626 | $41 |
| Average | $74,481 | $6,207 | $1,432 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,194 | $5,183 | $1,196 | $30 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Forensic Detective job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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