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Homicide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Youth Alive

Crisis Responder

Oakland, CA · On-site

$29.80 - $32.20/hr

Provide intensive family support services to families of homicide victims which include: * Home visits to families and friends * Crisis counseling * Coordinate financial assistance to families facing ...

Tully & Weiss Attorneys At Law

Be Seen First

Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr (+ commission)

For more than 25 years, our firm has defended clients throughout California in cases ranging from homicide and major felonies to white-collar crime. We don't just practice criminal defense--we live ...

Six Flags

Bus Driver $25.00/HR Vallejo, CA

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$25/hr

No major violations (DWI, homicide, reckless driving, drugs, leaving the scene) within the last three years. Can not have two or more other moving violations and one at fault accident in the last ...

Tully & Weiss Attorneys At Law

Be Seen First

Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr (+ commission)

For more than 25 years, our firm has defended clients throughout California in cases ranging from homicide and major felonies to white-collar crime. We don't just practice criminal defense--we live ...

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Seasonal

Vallejo, CA

$17 - $20.25/hr

To be in Good Standing Driver must present a current DMV printout report with none of the violations below: - No major violations (DWI, homicide, reckless driving, drugs, leaving the scene) within ...

AEG

Bus Driver $25.00/HR

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$25/hr

To be in Good Standing Driver must present a current DMV printout report with none of the violations below: - No major violations (DWI, homicide, reckless driving, drugs, leaving the scene) within ...

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All JobsHomicide JobsHomicide Jobs in California

Homicide information

See California salary details

$11

$21

$30

How much do homicide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for homicide in California is $21.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $23.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a homicide detective?

Homicide detectives are specialized law enforcement officers who investigate cases involving unlawful deaths, such as murders or suspicious fatalities. Their duties include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, analyzing crime scenes, and working with forensic experts to solve cases. Homicide detectives play a critical role in bringing perpetrators to justice and providing closure to victims’ families. They often work long and irregular hours, as solving homicides can be complex and time-consuming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a homicide detective?

To thrive as a Homicide Detective, you need a background in criminal justice or law enforcement, strong investigative skills, and relevant police academy training or experience. Familiarity with forensic analysis tools, case management software, and evidence collection techniques is typically required. Outstanding critical thinking, attention to detail, and interpersonal communication skills help detectives conduct thorough investigations and interact with witnesses and colleagues. These skills and qualities are crucial for solving complex cases, ensuring justice, and maintaining public trust.

What are some common challenges faced by homicide detectives, and how can new team members effectively adapt to them?

Homicide detectives often encounter high-pressure situations, emotionally charged cases, and complex investigations that require attention to detail and persistence. New team members may find it challenging to balance the emotional toll of dealing with violent crimes while maintaining objectivity and professionalism. Building strong collaboration with fellow detectives, forensic experts, and other law enforcement professionals is essential for solving cases efficiently. Adaptability, effective communication, and a commitment to ongoing learning can help new homicide detectives succeed and grow in this demanding field.

What is the difference between Homicide vs Forensic Investigator?

AspectHomicideForensic Investigator
Required CredentialsCriminal justice degree, law enforcement trainingCriminal justice, forensic science degree, specialized training
Work EnvironmentCrime scenes, law enforcement agenciesLaboratories, crime scenes, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryPolice departments, law enforcementForensic labs, government agencies, law enforcement

Homicide refers to the criminal act of unlawfully killing another person, often investigated by law enforcement. Forensic Investigators assist in solving crimes, including homicides, by collecting and analyzing evidence. While homicide is a criminal act, forensic investigators support investigations through scientific analysis. Both roles are crucial in the criminal justice system but differ in focus: one is a criminal act, the other a scientific profession aiding in solving such crimes.

What do you need to work in homicide?

To work in homicide investigation, candidates typically need a law enforcement background, such as experience as a police officer or detective, along with relevant training in criminal investigation. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field is often preferred, and strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential. Certifications in forensic science or criminal investigation can also be beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Homicide jobs in California?

For Homicide jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Homicide jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Homicide jobs in California are:

Homicide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Homicide job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,817 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Crisis Responder

Youth Alive

Oakland, CA • On-site

$29.80 - $32.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Description: This full-time position is responsible for the provision of intensive family support services to families of homicide victims provided by the Khadafy Washington Project and reports to the KWP Program Manager.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Intervention/Crisis Support: 65%


  • Provide intensive family support services to families of homicide victims which include:
    • Home visits to families and friends
    • Crisis counseling
    • Coordinate financial assistance to families facing funeral expenses
    • General support/presence during funeral services (funeral arrangements support at funeral, support at viewing, etc.)
    • Memorial planning and preparation
    • Victims of Crime compensation application assistance
  • Maintain intensive follow-up contact with clients, family, friends and service providers through home visits and telephone contact;
  • Conduct wellness calls after immediate aftermath of homicide
  • Assist with maintaining materials prepared for initial client contact (checklist, grief/trauma materials, gift bags, etc.)

Documentation=25%

  • Document consistently and accurately all contacts with clients (on incident reports, database, etc.);
  • Assist with writing/updating incident reports
  • Assist with maintaining daily calendar and client log

Community engagement= 5%

  • Participate in violence prevention efforts with other providers as assigned;


Staff development=5%

  • Attend program meetings
  • Attend agency staff meetings;
  • Attend regular supervision meetings
  • Other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Demonstrated commitment to working with families of homicide victims;
  • Must be fluent in English, Bilingual in Spanish a plus
  • Knowledge of community violence issues, specifically youth/street violence;
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team;
  • Must have strong communication and organizational skills, and possess the ability to communicate effectively with staff members, clients, vendors and the public;
  • Ability to work well with diverse populations;
  • Punctual and extremely reliable;
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented;
  • Candidate must be computer literate;
  • Must be able to present self and program in a professional manner;
  • Flexibility to work some evenings & weekends;
  • Ability to work in stressful situations;
  • High School Diploma or GED required;
  • Must have reliable car and DMV clearance;
  • Applicants with personal experience in overcoming violence/ violence-related injuries/ the criminal justice system are especially encouraged to apply.
  • A minimum of 2 years experience working with at-risk population is strongly preferred.
  • A minimum of 1 year case management experience is strongly preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Individuals who are hired for this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout time of employment. The ability to travel is required.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT: Talk, hear. Clear vision at 25 inches or less to view computer screen and read documents. Must be able to sit at desk and work on a computer for 1-2 hours/day. Must be able to lift and carry 25 pounds. Working conditions typical of an office environment while in the office; a majority of the work day may be spent outside the office in Oakland neighborhoods.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: $29.80-32.20 per hour (starting salary dependent upon experience).  Full time (40 hours per week plus occasional nights and weekends) non-exempt hourly position.  Generous benefits include: Medical/Dental/Vision/Vacation/Sick Leave/Retirement/Educational Reimbursement/Sabbatical

Applicants with experience in law enforcement and/or formerly incarcerated/juvenile justice-involved and/or with previous experience/exposure to violence are encouraged to apply.

Youth ALIVE! is an equal opportunity employer.