Salary distribution
Where Los Angeles detectives and criminal investigators fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $100,100 and $151,420, with a median of $127,980.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.4 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.4 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
- 02
Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
- 03
Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
- 04
Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
- 05
Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
- 06
Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
- 07
Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
- 08
Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the Los Angeles metro compares to other major California metro areas for detectives and criminal investigators.
- San Jose$156,890
- Riverside$126,380
- San Francisco$125,300
- San Diego$118,830
- Sacramento$109,830
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Los Angeles, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is $127,980.
- Does Los Angeles pay more than the California state average for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
- The Los Angeles metro median is +4.8% versus the California state median of $122,140.
- How does Los Angeles compare to the national median for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
- The Los Angeles metro median is +38.4% versus the BLS national figure of $92,476.
- What is the salary range for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Los Angeles?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $82,250 and the 90th-percentile at $175,340 for the Los Angeles metro area.
- What education is required for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Los Angeles CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.