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Detention Technician Salary in California

How much does a Detention Technician make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Detention Technician in California is $54,759 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, a Detention Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $65,089
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $50,005 to $60,166
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $45,676
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Detention Technician Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Detention Technician Salaries

A Detention Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Detention Technician Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Detention Technician's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $53,633
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $60,144
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $67,798
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $103,809
  • Expert (over 8 years): $118,453
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Detention Technician less than 1 year $53,633
Waste Water Treatment Technician II 1-2 years $60,144
Waste Water Treatment Technician III 2-4 years $67,798
Waste Water Treatment Superintendent 5-8 years $103,809
Waste Water Treatment Plant Manager over 8 years $118,453

How Do Detention Technician Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Detention Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $54,968.
  • California: $54,759.
  • Massachusetts: $54,030.

Top Paying Cities for Detention Technician

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $54,854
  • West Hollywood: $54,814
  • Dodgertown: $54,853

Detention Technician Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Detention Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 57% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Detention Technician positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Detention Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Detention Technician

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities $71,187 $34.0 30%
Aerospace & Defense $68,449 $33.0 25%
Biotechnology $62,973 $30.0 15%
MFG Durable $60,235 $29.0 10%
Construction $57,497 $28.0 5%

Detention Technician Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Detention Technician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$50,005
Average $54,759/year
$60,166
$4,167
Average $4,563/month
$5,014
$962
Average $1,053/week
$1,157
$24
Average $26/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $60,166 $5,014 $1,157 $29
Average $54,759 $4,563 $1,053 $26
25th Percentile $50,005 $4,167 $962 $24

Find Your Next Detention Technician Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Detention Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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    J.B. Hunt Transport | ALPINE, NJ

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  • J.B. Hunt Transport | MONMOUTH JUNCTION, NJ

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  • J.B. Hunt Transport | WESTFIELD, NJ

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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