Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary (2025)
Based on 114,430 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $55,390 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $69,330 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $93,790 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $120,520 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $160,540 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$55K
25th
$69K
Median
$94K
75th
$121K
90th
$161K
Highest Paying States for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $148,110 |
| Maryland | $130,040 |
| Alaska | $125,160 |
| Hawaii | $124,610 |
| California | $121,530 |
| Virginia | $119,620 |
| Massachusetts | $118,130 |
| Washington | $118,040 |
| Delaware | $117,730 |
| New Jersey | $116,540 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Detectives and Criminal Investigators salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is District of Columbia at an average of $148,110 per year, while New Jersey has an average of $116,540 — a difference of $31,570. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Detectives and Criminal Investigators
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 114,430 workers were employed as Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Protective Service Occupations. The annual mean wage of $99,430 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 33-3021