As of August 01, 2025, the average annual salary for Police Detective in California is $37,928, equivalent to $18 per hour, $729 weekly, or $3,161 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Police Detective in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for Police Detective in California vary widely, spanning from $35,172 to $43,506. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($36,485) and 75th percentile ($40,848), while top earners (90th percentile) make $43,506 per year. This $4,363 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Communication Skills or Asset Management, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, California Police Detective often earn 10.3% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 75 companies. However, California currently ranks 2 nationwide for Police Detective job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like Media to offset market challenges.
