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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Inspector General in California is $310,974 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $150.
However, an Inspector General's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Inspector General Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $332,649 | $27,721 | $6,397 | $160 |
| Average | $310,974 | $25,915 | $5,980 | $150 |
| 25th Percentile | $280,552 | $23,379 | $5,395 | $135 |
"City of Riverside, CA" - Riverside, CA
HOMESHIELD PEST CONTROL INCORPORATED - San Francisco, CA
HOMESHIELD PEST CONTROL INCORPORATED - Walnut Creek, CA
HOMESHIELD PEST CONTROL INCORPORATED - Long Beach, CA
An Inspector General'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Inspector General's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Senior Ma... Level Inspector General | $236,122 |
| Assistant... Level Inspector General | $272,414 |
| Inspector... Level Inspector General | $317,312 |
| General C... Level Inspector General | $395,335 |
| Chief Leg... Level Inspector General | $501,054 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Inspector Generals. 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 Inspector General roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Inspector General positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Inspector General as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $373,169 | $179.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $373,169 | $179.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $373,169 | $179.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $373,169 | $179.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $373,169 | $179.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Inspector General'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 | $332,649 | $27,721 | $6,397 | $160 |
| Average | $310,974 | $25,915 | $5,980 | $150 |
| 25th Percentile | $280,552 | $23,379 | $5,395 | $135 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Inspector General job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
HOMESHIELD PEST CONTROL INCORPORATED
Los Angeles, CA
HOMESHIELD PEST CONTROL INCORPORATED | Los Angeles, CA
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JARP Industries Inc
WAUSAU, WI
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Job Description. Job Description. Description. POSITION SUMMARY. The. Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). supervisor carries out tasks as part of the Weld t... more
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FM
NORWOOD, MA
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SOUTH HADLEY FALLS, MA
US Tsubaki Automotive, LLC | SOUTH HADLEY FALLS, MA
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CUCAMONGA, CA
QAI Laboratories Inc | CUCAMONGA, CA
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