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Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is a highly lucrative market for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss. With an average annual salary of $114,340, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $114,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $151,590.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 40 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$114,340

The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+33.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$55

Weekly

$2,199

Monthly

$9,528

Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

The earning potential for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $74,920, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $151,590.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$74,920$36
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$85,755$41.2
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$107,060$51.5
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$142,925$68.7
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$151,590$72.9

Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$114,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$114,340

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $114,340 to $114,340.

Job Market Context

40

Total Jobs

0.442

Per 1K Jobs

0.61

Location Quotient

Below Average

Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has 0.61x the national average concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

40 people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.

Only 0.442 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Detectives and Criminal Investigators roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Detectives and Criminal Investigators

CitySalaryDist.
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary$141,960↑ 24%26 mi
Salinas, CA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary$124,120↑ 9%30 mi
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary$135,250↑ 18%58 mi
Modesto, CA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary$90,930↓ 20%73 mi
Vallejo, CA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary$116,530↑ 2%79 mi

Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Hiring Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?

The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $114,340. This typically ranges from $74,920 for entry-level positions to $151,590 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 33.9% higher than the national median of $85,370.

Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?

Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is financially attractive for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss. The average salary of $114,340 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?

The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($141,960) and Salinas, CA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 40 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 0.442 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Semantic Salary Analysis for Detectives and Criminal Investigators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA