Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary 2025: $93,790 median
The median salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators is $93,790 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to roughly $45 an hour. The typical range runs from $55,390 at the 10th percentile to $160,540 at the 90th. About 114,430 people hold these jobs nationally.
How much Detectives and Criminal Investigators earn
Median pay lands at $93,790, but the mean — which factors in the highest earners — is $99,430. The bottom 10% make around $55,390, while the top 10% exceed $160,540. Overtime and special assignments can push pay higher, especially in federal agencies.
Pay varies significantly by employer. Federal executive branch jobs (like FBI or DEA) tend to pay above the median. Local police departments and state agencies offer a wide band depending on cost of living and union contracts.
Pay by state
District of Columbia tops the list at $160,760 average — more than double the national median. Maryland follows at $126,730, then California ($124,840), Delaware ($122,050), and New Jersey ($116,300). These high-paying states generally have higher living costs and strong public-safety budgets.
At the low end, Louisiana averages $60,450, Mississippi $58,640, and Arkansas $54,500. These states often have lower cost of living, but the salary gap is large — an Arkansas detective earns about a third of what a D.C. counterpart does.
How to become a Detective or Criminal Investigator
Most detectives start as police officers. The typical path: earn a high school diploma or GED, then a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field. A degree isn’t always mandatory, but it helps. After that, you’ll need to complete a police academy and work patrol for a few years before being eligible for detective selection.
Federal agencies like the FBI typically require a bachelor’s degree plus at least three years of professional work experience, or an advanced degree plus experience. They also require an extensive background check, drug test, and physical fitness test. State-level investigator roles may have similar requirements but vary. Many states require a certification from the state police or a POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) board.
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Get a bachelor's degree (criminal justice, accounting, computer science, or similar).
- Complete police academy training and become a sworn officer (for local/state).
- Gain 2-5 years of patrol experience before applying for detective roles.
- For federal positions: pass a rigorous background check, polygraph, and medical exam.
- Consider specialized certifications like Certified Criminal Investigator (CCI) for advancement.
Job outlook
Employment for Detectives and Criminal Investigators is projected to decline by -0.7% from 2024 to 2034 — essentially flat to slightly down. That contrasts with the average for all occupations, which grows about 4%. But even with a small decline, the BLS expects about 7,800 openings each year, mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the field.
Competition is high, especially for federal positions. Candidates with language skills, accounting degrees (for financial crimes), or cybersecurity expertise will have an edge. Budget constraints at local agencies may slow hiring in some areas.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Detective or Criminal Investigator make an hour?
Based on the BLS mean hourly wage of $45, but actual pay varies by employer, location, and overtime. Median annual is $93,790.
Do you need a degree to become a detective?
Most police departments require at least a high school diploma, but a bachelor's degree is increasingly common and often preferred. Federal agencies require at least a bachelor's.
Is being a detective a dangerous job?
Yes, detectives and criminal investigators face risks from confrontations with suspects, though less frequently than patrol officers. It's considered a high-stress occupation.
What's the best state to work as a detective?
District of Columbia pays the highest average salary at $160,760. Other top-paying states include Maryland, California, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Detectives and Criminal Investigators data.