How much does a police detective make in California?

At the middle department of 14 that report a detective or investigator title, San Bernardino County Sheriff, the median total pay was $184,451 in 2025, overtime included. The highest was $236,686 at Ontario Police.

Why are so few departments listed?

Most California departments pay detectives under the officer or corporal title, so the pay file cannot tell them apart. Only the 14 departments that use a separate detective or investigator title for three or more people are here.

Police detective salary in California, 2025

What detectives and investigators were paid at the 14 California departments that report a separate job title for them, with three or more people in it for the full year.

Median total pay at the middle department

$184,451

San Bernardino County Sheriff, overtime included. The highest is $236,686 at Ontario Police.

Detective and investigator total pay

Ontario Police$236,686

Riverside County Sheriff$231,815

Burbank Police$218,839

Los Angeles Police$214,596

Riverside Police$203,543

Upland Police$200,442

San Bernardino County Sheriff$184,451

Corona Police$175,224

Auburn Police$169,200

Turlock Police$168,230

Redding Police$163,925

San Diego Police$159,800

El Cerrito Police$154,648

Bell Police$145,395

Each department's largest detective or investigator title. Median total pay, overtime included. Titles are the employer's own.

Common questions

How much does a police detective make in California?: At the middle department of 14 that report a detective or investigator title, San Bernardino County Sheriff, the median total pay was $184,451 in 2025, overtime included. The highest was $236,686 at Ontario Police.
Why are so few departments listed?: Most California departments pay detectives under the officer or corporal title, so the pay file cannot tell them apart. Only the 14 departments that use a separate detective or investigator title for three or more people are here.

Pay by rank, officer to captain · Compare every department · Highest paid departments · Police officer salary in California · Who is hiring

Source: California State Controller, Government Compensation in California, raw export, 2025. Figures are what each employer reported. Check the department's own salary schedule before relying on one.