How Much Do Private Detectives and Investigators Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Private Detectives and Investigators in California earns $61,250 per year and takes home $49,670 ($4,139/month) — a keep-rate of 81.1%, with 4,190 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $5,104.17 |
| Federal income tax | $430.83 |
| Social Security | $316.46 |
| Medicare | $74.01 |
| California state income tax | $143.71 |
| You keep | $4,139.16 |
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in California?
The median Private Detectives and Investigators in California earns $61,250 per year (BLS May 2025), about $29.45 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$61,250 gross in California keeps $49,670 after federal income tax ($5,170), FICA ($4,686) and state income tax ($1,724) — $4,139 per month, a 81.1% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Private Detectives and Investigators?
The California median is $10,030 above the national median of $51,220.
Which state pays Private Detectives and Investigators the most?
Oregon has the highest median gross for Private Detectives and Investigators at $76,480 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Private Detectives and Investigators salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage