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State comparison · 2025

Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary: California vs North Dakota

Occupation

Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California earn a median of $124,840. In North Dakota, $82,290. After cost-of-living, the gap is 22% — not 51.7%.

Nominal pay gap
+51.7%
California vs North Dakota
COL-adjusted gap
+22%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

California

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Median
$124,840
p25
$99,270
p75
$136,020
p10
$78,280
p90
$165,510
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
110.7
See full breakdown for California

North Dakota

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Median
$82,290
p25
$62,200
p75
$106,330
p10
$58,350
p90
$129,230
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
89.0
See full breakdown for North Dakota

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.