What is the average hourly wage for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?

The median hourly wage for Detectives and Criminal Investigators is $42.24 per hour. This translates to approximately $87,850 per year working full-time.

What states pay Detectives and Criminal Investigators the most?

Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators vary significantly by location. Use the state-by-state table above to see which states offer the highest median wages for this occupation.

What education is needed to become a detectives and criminal investigator?

Typical education required: High school diploma.

Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary

Name: Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Data
Creator: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
License: https://www.bls.gov/bls/linksite.htm

Official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024

Median Annual Salary

$87,850

$42.24 / hour

▲ 3% (Average)

Salary Range

$46,561 - $151,102

10th to 90th percentile

Total Employed

124,960

workers nationally

🏛️ Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | Updated: Annual | Methodology

Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary by Percentile

$46,561 $151,102

10th pct Median: $87,850 90th pct

Percentile	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
10th (Entry Level)	$46,561	$22.39
25th Percentile	$63,252	$30.41
50th (Median)	$87,850	$42.24
75th Percentile	$121,233	$58.29
90th (Top Earners)	$151,102	$72.65
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024

Top Paying States for Detectives and Criminal Investigators

#	State	Median Annual	Median Hourly
1	District of Columbia (DC)	$115,962	$55.75
2	California (CA)	$109,813	$52.79
3	Massachusetts (MA)	$107,177	$51.53
4	New York (NY)	$107,177	$51.53
5	New Jersey (NJ)	$105,420	$50.68
6	Connecticut (CT)	$103,663	$49.84
7	Maryland (MD)	$103,663	$49.84
8	Hawaii (HI)	$101,027	$48.57
9	Alaska (AK)	$98,392	$47.30
10	Washington (WA)	$98,392	$47.30
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

About Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Detectives and Criminal Investigators work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the protective service sector of the U.S. economy.

Education Requirements

Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma

Job Outlook for Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Projected Growth

+3%

2022-2032

▲ 3% (Average)

Annual Job Openings

264,000

projected annually

Outlook data based on BLS Employment Projections program. Growth rate is projected change in employment 2022-2032.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make?

The median annual salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators is $87,850 (BLS OEWS May 2024). Entry-level workers earn around $46,561, while the top 10% earn $151,102 or more.

What is the hourly wage for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?

Detectives and Criminal Investigators earn a median hourly wage of $42.24 per hour. Working full-time (40 hrs/week, 52 weeks), this equals approximately $87,850 annually.

Is Detectives and Criminal Investigators a good-paying career?

With a median salary of $87,850, Detectives and Criminal Investigators earns above the U.S. median household income. Job outlook: Average (3% growth, 2022-2032).

What education do Detectives and Criminal Investigators need?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Requirements vary by employer and specialization - check with specific employers and BLS OOH for detailed requirements.