Detectives and Criminal Investigator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Detectives and Criminal Investigators Make?
Detectives and Criminal Investigators earn a median annual salary of $93,580 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $54,160 at the 10th percentile to $159,410 at the 90th percentile — a range of $105,250. The highest-paying state is Maryland at $125,630.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $54,160 |
| 25th percentile | $68,390 |
| Median (50th) | $93,580 |
| 75th percentile | $120,080 |
| 90th percentile | $159,410 |
Detectives and Criminal Investigator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Marylandtop | $125,630 |
| California | $122,140 |
| Alaska | $121,140 |
| Washington | $116,450 |
| New Jersey | $113,830 |
| Hawaii | $112,100 |
| Massachusetts | $111,460 |
| Virginia | $110,220 |
| Oregon | $107,450 |
| Vermont | $104,330 |
| New York | $103,340 |
| Arizona | $103,270 |
| Colorado | $102,910 |
| Nebraska | $99,090 |
| Pennsylvania | $98,740 |
| Montana | $95,640 |
| Nevada | $95,590 |
| Connecticut | $95,420 |
| Wisconsin | $92,910 |
| Michigan | $92,560 |
| West Virginia | $90,690 |
| New Hampshire | $90,050 |
| Texas | $89,860 |
| Illinois | $89,740 |
| Rhode Island | $88,780 |
| Delaware | $88,350 |
| New Mexico | $86,840 |
| North Dakota | $84,580 |
| Minnesota | $82,330 |
| Maine | $80,750 |
| Wyoming | $80,250 |
| Missouri | $78,670 |
| Florida | $78,290 |
| Ohio | $77,940 |
| Idaho | $77,460 |
| Iowa | $77,440 |
| Kentucky | $77,440 |
| Oklahoma | $77,440 |
| South Dakota | $77,440 |
| Indiana | $74,600 |
| Utah | $74,530 |
| Tennessee | $72,800 |
| Kansas | $68,180 |
| Alabama | $66,020 |
| Georgia | $64,990 |
| South Carolina | $63,060 |
| North Carolina | $62,480 |
| Louisiana | $59,500 |
| Mississippi | $56,310 |
| Arkansas | $53,460 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Detectives and Criminal Investigator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$54,160 – $68,390 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$93,580 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$120,080 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $159,410+ |
How to Earn More as a Detectives and Criminal Investigator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Detectives and Criminal Investigators in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earn $156,890 — $63,310 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($120,080) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Detectives and Criminal Investigator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Detectives and Criminal Investigatorthis career | $93,580 |
| Compliance Officer | $78,420 |
| Coroner | $78,420 |
| Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analyst | $80,190 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $67,440 |
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SOC: 33-3021.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.