Detective salary
BLS occupation: Detectives and Criminal Investigators · also called criminal investigator, FBI agent · Protective service · data for May 2025
Median salary $93,790 a year, US
Median hourly pay $45.09 an hour
Middle half earn $69,330–$120,520 25th to 75th percentile
Detectives employed 114,430 +0.2% projected by 2035
How much does a detective make?
- The median detective salary in the US is $93,790 a year ($45.09 an hour): half of the 114,430 detectives BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $99,430.
- The middle half earn between $69,330 and $120,520. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $55,390 and the top 10% more than $160,540.
- That is 84% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- The District of Columbia pays detectives the most (median $160,760), followed by Maryland ($126,730) and California ($124,840). Arkansas pays the least ($54,500).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia, where the median is worth $146,277 in typical US prices, then Delaware and Maryland.
- In 235 of the 284 metro areas with data, the median detective salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of detectives to grow 0.2% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 7,800 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what detectives are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Detective salary range
Half of detectives earn between $69,330 and $120,520 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $55,390
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $69,330
Median Yearly pay: $93,790
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $120,520
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $160,540
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $55,390 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $69,330 |
| Median | $93,790 |
| Top 25% earn over | $120,520 |
| Top 10% earn over | $160,540 |
Detective salary by state
The District of Columbia pays detectives the most; Arkansas the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($93,790), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $160,760 median |
| Maryland | $126,730 median |
| California | $124,840 median |
| Delaware | $122,050 median |
| New Jersey | $116,300 median |
| Washington | $115,790 median |
| Alaska | $114,940 median |
| Hawaii | $113,940 median |
| Virginia | $112,760 median |
| Massachusetts | $110,150 median |
| Oregon | $107,450 median |
| Vermont | $106,330 median |
| Colorado | $105,480 median |
| Arizona | $102,340 median |
| New York | $101,240 median |
| Nebraska | $100,530 median |
| Pennsylvania | $97,580 median |
| Connecticut | $95,240 median |
| Nevada | $94,470 median |
| Montana | $92,410 median |
| West Virginia | $92,410 median |
| Illinois | $91,190 median |
| Wisconsin | $91,040 median |
| Michigan | $90,650 median |
| Texas | $90,510 median |
| New Hampshire | $89,290 median |
| Rhode Island | $88,450 median |
| Maine | $88,310 median |
| New Mexico | $86,840 median |
| North Dakota | $82,290 median |
| Wyoming | $81,880 median |
| Oklahoma | $80,430 median |
| Minnesota | $80,000 median |
| Iowa | $79,560 median |
| Ohio | $79,300 median |
| Utah | $78,920 median |
| South Dakota | $77,730 median |
| Tennessee | $77,090 median |
| Florida | $77,060 median |
| Kansas | $75,740 median |
| Missouri | $75,650 median |
| Idaho | $72,520 median |
| Kentucky | $71,670 median |
| Indiana | $70,340 median |
| Alabama | $66,290 median |
| Georgia | $65,430 median |
| North Carolina | $63,280 median |
| South Carolina | $62,760 median |
| Louisiana | $60,450 median |
| Mississippi | $58,640 median |
| Arkansas | $54,500 median |
Where detective pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Detectives' pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $146,277 |
| Delaware | $122,285 |
| Maryland | $120,742 |
| California | $112,753 |
| Alaska | $112,291 |
| Nebraska | $111,572 |
| Virginia | $111,529 |
| Vermont | $108,547 |
| Washington | $108,202 |
| New Jersey | $106,888 |
Detective pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $160,760 | $77.29 | $94,220 | $195,190 | 2,980 | $146,277 |
| Maryland | $126,730 | $60.93 | $71,200 | $188,700 | 1,010 | $120,742 |
| California | $124,840 | $60.02 | $78,280 | $165,510 | 12,610 | $112,753 |
| Delaware | $122,050 | $58.68 | $65,830 | $164,510 | 140 | $122,285 |
| New Jersey | $116,300 | $55.91 | $73,100 | $165,570 | 3,080 | $106,888 |
| Washington | $115,790 | $55.67 | $84,500 | $162,860 | 1,850 | $108,202 |
| Alaska | $114,940 | $55.26 | $79,680 | $183,680 | 140 | $112,291 |
| Hawaii | $113,940 | $54.78 | $92,520 | $165,030 | 440 | $103,628 |
| Virginia | $112,760 | $54.21 | $62,730 | $195,190 | 3,180 | $111,529 |
| Massachusetts | $110,150 | $52.96 | $76,150 | $179,030 | 1,300 | $104,154 |
| Oregon | $107,450 | $51.66 | $81,990 | $158,060 | 520 | $103,956 |
| Vermont | $106,330 | $51.12 | $65,690 | $153,670 | 190 | $108,547 |
| Colorado | $105,480 | $50.71 | $73,010 | $161,550 | 1,930 | $102,356 |
| Arizona | $102,340 | $49.20 | $60,590 | $142,380 | 5,250 | $101,652 |
| New York | $101,240 | $48.67 | $62,130 | $166,800 | 9,600 | $93,809 |
| Nebraska | $100,530 | $48.33 | $68,900 | $155,210 | 290 | $111,572 |
| Pennsylvania | $97,580 | $46.91 | $63,770 | $154,360 | 3,370 | $100,008 |
| Connecticut | $95,240 | $45.79 | $78,990 | $130,540 | 940 | $91,922 |
| Nevada | $94,470 | $45.42 | $60,920 | $152,480 | 590 | $94,490 |
| Montana | $92,410 | $44.43 | $58,670 | $144,000 | 500 | $97,639 |
| West Virginia | $92,410 | $44.43 | $48,450 | $171,250 | 220 | $103,255 |
| Illinois | $91,190 | $43.84 | $53,960 | $157,060 | 3,270 | $91,228 |
| Wisconsin | $91,040 | $43.77 | $70,060 | $103,130 | 1,640 | $96,753 |
| Michigan | $90,650 | $43.58 | $71,590 | $164,670 | 2,220 | $94,214 |
| Texas | $90,510 | $43.51 | $52,510 | $132,850 | 18,870 | $93,254 |
| New Hampshire | $89,290 | $42.93 | $74,690 | $174,050 | 290 | $85,720 |
| Rhode Island | $88,450 | $42.52 | $75,910 | $159,140 | 360 | $86,478 |
| Maine | $88,310 | $42.46 | $63,290 | $120,430 | 550 | $90,994 |
| New Mexico | $86,840 | $41.75 | $47,480 | $111,970 | 2,020 | $94,174 |
| North Dakota | $82,290 | $39.56 | $58,350 | $129,230 | 420 | $92,503 |
| Wyoming | $81,880 | $39.37 | $62,230 | $149,280 | 170 | $88,337 |
| Oklahoma | $80,430 | $38.67 | $51,420 | $136,120 | 1,220 | $91,561 |
| Minnesota | $80,000 | $38.46 | $59,710 | $115,210 | 1,970 | $81,119 |
| Iowa | $79,560 | $38.25 | $58,930 | $141,650 | 410 | $90,654 |
| Ohio | $79,300 | $38.13 | $56,840 | $151,200 | 2,140 | $85,477 |
| Utah | $78,920 | $37.94 | $48,040 | $149,280 | 550 | $79,827 |
| South Dakota | $77,730 | $37.37 | $60,210 | $149,280 | 250 | $87,745 |
| Tennessee | $77,090 | $37.06 | $49,660 | $149,280 | 1,860 | $83,912 |
| Florida | $77,060 | $37.05 | $50,050 | $162,450 | 6,440 | $74,516 |
| Kansas | $75,740 | $36.41 | $49,610 | $114,030 | 1,060 | $84,092 |
| Missouri | $75,650 | $36.37 | $49,190 | $151,720 | 1,600 | $83,299 |
| Idaho | $72,520 | $34.87 | $53,120 | $125,550 | 630 | $75,942 |
| Kentucky | $71,670 | $34.46 | $51,640 | $149,280 | 720 | $79,493 |
| Indiana | $70,340 | $33.82 | $45,480 | $127,790 | 1,280 | $75,368 |
| Alabama | $66,290 | $31.87 | $43,060 | $150,780 | 1,340 | $74,632 |
| Georgia | $65,430 | $31.46 | $46,790 | $149,030 | 5,070 | $67,949 |
| North Carolina | $63,280 | $30.42 | $50,260 | $137,550 | 3,360 | $67,086 |
| South Carolina | $62,760 | $30.17 | $50,960 | $149,280 | 1,470 | $66,945 |
| Louisiana | $60,450 | $29.06 | $39,020 | $131,730 | 1,740 | $68,532 |
| Mississippi | $58,640 | $28.19 | $41,260 | $136,120 | 810 | $67,439 |
| Arkansas | $54,500 | $26.20 | $41,380 | $144,890 | 560 | $62,689 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Detective salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes detective pay: 287 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $158,640
- Brunswick, GA $158,060
- Washington, DC $156,750
- Oxnard, CA $153,570
- Honolulu, HI $140,750
- Great Falls, MT $136,120
- Santa Rosa, CA $133,100
- Santa Maria, CA $130,810
- Baltimore, MD $128,440
- Los Angeles, CA $127,890
Where the pay goes furthest
- Brunswick, GA $180,212
- Washington, DC $143,961
- San Jose, CA $143,666
- Great Falls, MT $140,554
- Oxnard, CA $138,935
- El Centro, CA $130,256
- Brownsville, TX $127,130
- Honolulu, HI $126,846
- Santa Rosa, CA $123,488
- Baltimore, MD $122,924
All 287 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $158,640 | 280 | $143,666 | 29% |
| Brunswick, GA | $158,060 | 240 | $180,212 | 13% |
| Washington, DC | $156,750 | 4,830 | $143,961 | 18% |
| Oxnard, CA | $153,570 | 70 | $138,935 | 23% |
| Honolulu, HI | $140,750 | 350 | $126,846 | 26% |
| Great Falls, MT | $136,120 | 40 | $140,554 | 13% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $133,100 | 60 | $123,488 | 24% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $130,810 | 40 | $120,232 | 30% |
| Baltimore, MD | $128,440 | 490 | $122,924 | 18% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $127,890 | 3,240 | $112,613 | 27% |
| Riverside, CA | $127,420 | 1,510 | $119,708 | 24% |
| San Francisco, CA | $126,700 | 690 | $109,590 | 33% |
| Anchorage, AK | $125,240 | 90 | $118,801 | 18% |
| San Diego, CA | $124,840 | 2,990 | $111,577 | 29% |
| El Centro, CA | $123,970 | 770 | $130,256 | 17% |
| Seattle, WA | $123,820 | 740 | $111,416 | 22% |
| Bellingham, WA | $122,840 | 260 | $118,877 | 19% |
| Bremerton, WA | $121,100 | 50 | $114,670 | 20% |
| Portland, OR | $119,350 | 310 | $113,213 | 18% |
| Roanoke, VA | $114,050 | 130 | $121,825 | 15% |
| Stockton, CA | $113,360 | 90 | $107,870 | 26% |
| Denver, CO | $113,340 | 1,230 | $107,145 | 20% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $111,860 | 270 | $102,228 | 24% |
| Burlington, VT | $111,530 | 100 | $110,482 | 28% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $110,760 | 60 | $122,210 | 14% |
| Trenton, NJ | $110,750 | 370 | $107,337 | 27% |
| Boston, MA | $110,150 | 1,110 | $101,740 | 33% |
| Fresno, CA | $109,720 | 420 | $107,402 | 22% |
| Springfield, MA | $109,510 | 50 | $114,000 | 22% |
| Sacramento, CA | $109,500 | 1,570 | $102,653 | 25% |
| Eugene, OR | $109,460 | 30 | $107,770 | 19% |
| Brownsville, TX | $109,300 | 880 | $127,130 | 17% |
| El Paso, TX | $109,300 | 1,790 | $121,563 | 17% |
| Sandusky, OH | $109,300 | 60 | $122,422 | 20% |
| Yakima, WA | $108,890 | 30 | $113,967 | 15% |
| Vallejo, CA | $108,430 | 60 | $99,955 | 27% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $108,350 | 730 | $121,410 | 14% |
| Rochester, NY | $107,660 | 450 | $110,950 | 17% |
| Reno, NV | $107,470 | 70 | $106,391 | 23% |
| Spokane, WA | $107,350 | 270 | $106,980 | 17% |
| San Angelo, TX | $106,580 | 80 | $115,280 | 15% |
| New York, NY | $106,440 | 7,580 | $94,560 | 40% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $106,330 | 560 | $117,867 | 17% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $106,270 | 70 | $111,305 | 20% |
| Watertown, NY | $106,110 | 70 | $121,006 | 17% |
| Pueblo, CO | $106,000 | 30 | $115,516 | 15% |
| Salinas, CA | $105,990 | 50 | $97,201 | 31% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $105,780 | 50 | $104,857 | 22% |
| Tucson, AZ | $105,350 | 1,620 | $108,725 | 17% |
| Omaha, NE | $105,310 | 160 | $114,578 | 16% |
| Rockford, IL | $104,150 | 130 | $113,017 | 15% |
| Modesto, CA | $104,000 | 90 | $99,896 | 24% |
| Kennewick, WA | $103,780 | 50 | $103,698 | 20% |
| McAllen, TX | $103,380 | 1,600 | $120,356 | 13% |
| Boulder, CO | $103,360 | 50 | $98,249 | 25% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $103,140 | 60 | $101,990 | 23% |
| Bend, OR | $103,000 | 40 | $99,414 | 26% |
| Vineland, NJ | $102,980 | 70 | $107,307 | 19% |
| Madison, WI | $102,780 | 280 | $105,646 | 21% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $102,710 | 40 | $93,461 | 41% |
| Chicago, IL | $102,260 | 2,290 | $98,711 | 25% |
| Manchester, NH | $101,500 | 90 | $96,066 | 26% |
| Barnstable, MA | $100,680 | 40 | $102,368 | 31% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $99,860 | 120 | $101,015 | 25% |
| Lincoln, NE | $99,760 | 40 | $108,931 | 15% |
| Missoula, MT | $99,560 | 40 | $103,230 | 20% |
| Miami, FL | $99,080 | 2,110 | $86,794 | 32% |
| Albany, NY | $99,010 | 960 | $99,442 | 21% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $98,860 | 1,140 | $95,687 | 21% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $98,700 | 50 | $104,809 | 20% |
| Hartford, CT | $98,690 | 340 | $96,052 | 24% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $98,620 | 230 | $92,286 | 35% |
| Syracuse, NY | $98,390 | 340 | $102,766 | 20% |
| Greeley, CO | $98,370 | 50 | $98,197 | 21% |
| Mobile, AL | $98,310 | 100 | $111,592 | 16% |
| Laredo, TX | $98,180 | 1,410 | $112,908 | 14% |
| Salem, OR | $97,750 | 80 | $94,309 | 20% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $97,580 | 2,160 | $95,150 | 23% |
| Lancaster, PA | $97,190 | 60 | $98,914 | 19% |
| New Haven, CT | $96,790 | 180 | $92,570 | 25% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $96,760 | 230 | $95,910 | 23% |
| Flint, MI | $96,740 | 90 | $103,983 | 13% |
| Erie, PA | $96,470 | 100 | $106,069 | 14% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $96,430 | 90 | $107,908 | 16% |
| York, PA | $96,070 | 80 | $100,073 | 17% |
| Detroit, MI | $95,820 | 1,200 | $95,535 | 19% |
| Reading, PA | $95,190 | 80 | $98,073 | 20% |
| Buffalo, NY | $95,150 | 850 | $99,276 | 18% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $95,120 | 580 | $100,474 | 19% |
| Allentown, PA | $94,800 | 190 | $94,830 | 23% |
| Yuma, AZ | $94,520 | 790 | $101,957 | 18% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $94,470 | 450 | $94,267 | 22% |
| Waterbury, CT | $94,470 | 120 | $94,680 | – |
| Redding, CA | $94,280 | 40 | $93,640 | 21% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $93,790 | 460 | $95,762 | 24% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $93,160 | 50 | $93,962 | 26% |
| Lawrence, KS | $93,020 | 30 | $103,077 | 20% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $92,910 | 550 | $95,846 | 20% |
| Tampa, FL | $92,420 | 1,150 | $91,605 | 26% |
| Charleston, WV | $92,410 | 80 | $104,163 | 16% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $92,410 | 140 | $96,718 | 21% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $92,410 | 100 | $100,353 | 20% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $92,110 | 330 | $96,582 | 20% |
| Appleton, WI | $92,030 | 50 | $99,579 | 16% |
| Kenosha, WI | $91,820 | 70 | $90,805 | – |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $91,560 | 590 | $109,254 | 15% |
| Kansas City, MO | $91,490 | 850 | $98,862 | 20% |
| Binghamton, NY | $91,470 | 100 | $98,500 | 21% |
| Huntsville, AL | $91,230 | 240 | $98,021 | 18% |
| Richmond, VA | $91,080 | 490 | $93,074 | 22% |
| Utica, NY | $90,430 | 130 | $97,574 | 19% |
| State College, PA | $90,250 | 50 | $93,270 | 26% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $89,970 | 180 | $97,085 | 19% |
| Cleveland, OH | $89,300 | 440 | $95,078 | 19% |
| Worcester, MA | $89,270 | 80 | $87,073 | 28% |
| Racine, WI | $89,210 | 70 | $92,965 | 20% |
| Olympia, WA | $88,790 | 230 | $85,647 | 28% |
| Springfield, IL | $88,790 | 120 | $95,736 | 16% |
| Wausau, WI | $88,780 | 30 | $95,822 | 13% |
| Bangor, ME | $88,710 | 60 | $91,920 | 20% |
| Providence, RI | $88,450 | 430 | $86,909 | 29% |
| Ogden, UT | $88,270 | 50 | $87,963 | 22% |
| Kingston, NY | $87,990 | 70 | $87,371 | 27% |
| Wichita, KS | $87,280 | 270 | $98,127 | 17% |
| Lansing, MI | $86,510 | 200 | $91,072 | 18% |
| Norwich, CT | $86,440 | 50 | $86,057 | 29% |
| Houston, TX | $86,390 | 1,870 | $87,591 | 23% |
| Dallas, TX | $86,110 | 1,830 | $83,529 | 23% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $86,110 | 60 | $99,362 | 16% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $85,750 | 230 | $85,148 | 25% |
| Visalia, CA | $85,740 | 90 | $85,890 | 24% |
| Fargo, ND | $85,300 | 100 | $93,869 | 16% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $85,300 | 1,230 | $81,376 | 24% |
| Lexington, KY | $84,900 | 120 | $91,399 | 23% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $84,800 | 40 | $89,414 | 18% |
| Kingsport, TN | $84,660 | 60 | $97,933 | 19% |
| Janesville, WI | $84,520 | 30 | $90,200 | 18% |
| Green Bay, WI | $84,190 | 60 | $90,443 | 16% |
| San Antonio, TX | $83,830 | 1,670 | $88,507 | 20% |
| Dayton, OH | $83,620 | 150 | $90,211 | 19% |
| Louisville, KY | $83,620 | 190 | $89,842 | 19% |
| Boise, ID | $83,050 | 260 | $84,408 | 28% |
| Tulsa, OK | $82,420 | 230 | $92,385 | 20% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $81,720 | 640 | $90,390 | 20% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $81,660 | 370 | $80,957 | 24% |
| Scranton, PA | $81,500 | 140 | $87,114 | 20% |
| St. Louis, MO | $80,930 | 660 | $85,111 | 21% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $80,770 | 300 | $81,875 | 22% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $80,680 | 30 | $89,109 | 17% |
| Davenport, IA | $80,180 | 60 | $90,010 | 15% |
| Saginaw, MI | $80,140 | 40 | $88,172 | 16% |
| Tyler, TX | $79,710 | 120 | $86,495 | 20% |
| Birmingham, AL | $79,560 | 230 | $86,814 | 21% |
| Des Moines, IA | $79,560 | 220 | $86,760 | 19% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $79,560 | 40 | $83,866 | 22% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $79,360 | 40 | $88,003 | 18% |
| Portland, ME | $79,030 | 180 | $77,588 | 35% |
| Columbus, OH | $79,000 | 540 | $82,749 | 23% |
| Austin, TX | $78,970 | 1,710 | $80,527 | 24% |
| Lawton, OK | $78,920 | 30 | $91,830 | 17% |
| Memphis, TN | $78,920 | 280 | $85,616 | 21% |
| Midland, TX | $78,920 | 60 | $82,395 | 24% |
| Minot, ND | $78,920 | 40 | $90,683 | 19% |
| Evansville, IN | $78,890 | 80 | $86,192 | 17% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $78,610 | 40 | $80,006 | 29% |
| Knoxville, TN | $78,600 | 230 | $84,910 | 26% |
| Nashville, TN | $78,460 | 660 | $81,442 | 28% |
| Charleston, SC | $78,410 | 190 | $77,663 | 31% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $78,310 | 60 | $84,389 | 18% |
| South Bend, IN | $78,200 | 70 | $84,215 | 19% |
| Lafayette, IN | $77,960 | 40 | $83,442 | 23% |
| Rapid City, SD | $77,730 | 90 | $87,180 | 22% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $77,680 | 120 | $77,428 | 33% |
| Youngstown, OH | $77,410 | 70 | $88,576 | 16% |
| Duluth, MN | $77,330 | 120 | $87,115 | 21% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $77,250 | 40 | $83,324 | 26% |
| Raleigh, NC | $77,210 | 630 | $78,660 | 26% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $76,730 | 440 | $80,181 | 24% |
| College Station, TX | $76,320 | 40 | $83,913 | 24% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $76,310 | 230 | $74,559 | 29% |
| Akron, OH | $76,230 | 110 | $81,643 | 21% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $76,230 | 60 | $77,182 | 31% |
| Elkhart, IN | $75,850 | 60 | $83,975 | 19% |
| Jackson, TN | $75,610 | 100 | $88,410 | 22% |
| Toledo, OH | $75,610 | 150 | $82,675 | 20% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $75,420 | 110 | $75,248 | 37% |
| Rochester, MN | $75,100 | 50 | $82,690 | 25% |
| Slidell, LA | $74,990 | 40 | $80,873 | – |
| Amarillo, TX | $74,980 | 90 | $81,660 | 21% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $74,820 | 90 | $80,824 | 20% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $74,600 | 140 | $81,562 | 24% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $74,580 | 540 | $74,967 | 27% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $74,250 | 70 | $79,167 | 24% |
| Johnson City, TN | $74,020 | 60 | $84,183 | 24% |
| Helena, MT | $73,950 | 70 | $77,293 | 27% |
| Peoria, IL | $73,700 | 80 | $80,784 | 19% |
| Shreveport, LA | $73,520 | 70 | $86,733 | 21% |
| Champaign, IL | $73,430 | 60 | $79,209 | 23% |
| Traverse City, MI | $73,050 | 50 | $78,235 | 30% |
| Billings, MT | $72,880 | 70 | $77,925 | 23% |
| Lubbock, TX | $72,820 | 280 | $79,744 | 22% |
| Clarksville, TN | $72,800 | 80 | $80,047 | 22% |
| Savannah, GA | $72,460 | 170 | $76,109 | 29% |
| Auburn, AL | $72,420 | 40 | $82,358 | 26% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $72,150 | 30 | $78,332 | 26% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $72,060 | 90 | $76,953 | 29% |
| Pensacola, FL | $71,680 | 140 | $73,355 | 29% |
| Charlotte, NC | $71,460 | 600 | $73,407 | 29% |
| Waco, TX | $70,990 | 120 | $76,704 | 24% |
| Albany, GA | $70,930 | 70 | $80,907 | 18% |
| Beaumont, TX | $70,760 | 110 | $78,582 | 22% |
| Orlando, FL | $70,760 | 540 | $69,771 | 33% |
| Sherman, TX | $70,740 | 30 | $75,439 | 23% |
| Montgomery, AL | $70,710 | 220 | $78,845 | 23% |
| Killeen, TX | $70,590 | 130 | $77,459 | 22% |
| Atlanta, GA | $69,900 | 3,070 | $69,859 | 32% |
| Farmington, NM | $69,640 | 40 | $79,401 | 24% |
| Lakeland, FL | $69,450 | 70 | $71,494 | 31% |
| Durham, NC | $68,790 | 160 | $70,502 | 29% |
| Pocatello, ID | $68,720 | 50 | $77,295 | 19% |
| Jackson, MS | $68,520 | 210 | $76,947 | 26% |
| Macon, GA | $68,520 | 240 | $77,399 | 21% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $68,490 | 60 | $78,156 | 21% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $67,970 | 30 | $77,228 | 22% |
| Crestview, FL | $67,750 | 90 | $69,823 | 35% |
| Gainesville, FL | $66,350 | 110 | $68,591 | 30% |
| Columbia, SC | $66,340 | 580 | $70,829 | 28% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $65,980 | 50 | $67,126 | 33% |
| Panama City, FL | $65,040 | 90 | $66,848 | 32% |
| Monroe, LA | $65,010 | 100 | $77,766 | 22% |
| Augusta, GA | $64,980 | 230 | $70,705 | 27% |
| Bismarck, ND | $64,640 | 110 | $71,014 | 24% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $64,590 | 170 | $70,223 | 27% |
| North Port, FL | $64,320 | 90 | $62,802 | 39% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $64,140 | 40 | $73,117 | 31% |
| Longview, TX | $63,950 | 60 | $71,464 | 22% |
| Springfield, MO | $63,920 | 150 | $72,157 | 23% |
| Burlington, NC | $63,780 | 50 | $68,436 | 25% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $63,760 | 420 | $70,236 | 26% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $63,130 | 90 | $63,127 | 36% |
| Greenville, SC | $62,700 | 170 | $67,231 | 30% |
| Wilmington, NC | $62,580 | 210 | $64,902 | 33% |
| Gainesville, GA | $62,520 | 80 | $64,609 | 33% |
| Asheville, NC | $62,460 | 140 | $64,721 | 33% |
| New Orleans, LA | $62,430 | 450 | $67,421 | 30% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $62,260 | 140 | $67,642 | 29% |
| Alexandria, LA | $62,030 | 40 | $72,392 | 20% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $61,920 | 40 | $68,006 | 29% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $61,300 | 100 | $67,102 | 31% |
| Greenville, NC | $61,220 | 40 | $69,252 | 29% |
| Greensboro, NC | $61,210 | 240 | $65,913 | 28% |
| Columbia, MO | $61,170 | 40 | $68,394 | 29% |
| Anniston, AL | $61,140 | 30 | $71,135 | 19% |
| Lafayette, LA | $60,820 | 90 | $69,741 | 27% |
| Ocala, FL | $60,470 | 50 | $63,496 | 32% |
| Hinesville, GA | $60,150 | 40 | $64,035 | 35% |
| Michigan City, IN | $60,100 | 50 | $65,553 | 24% |
| Abilene, TX | $59,980 | 60 | $66,376 | 40% |
| Sebring, FL | $59,890 | 40 | $64,767 | 30% |
| Hammond, LA | $59,400 | 70 | $70,329 | 27% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $59,390 | 40 | $67,136 | 31% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $59,240 | 40 | $63,381 | 36% |
| Athens, GA | $58,850 | 90 | $63,047 | 36% |
| Naples, FL | $58,610 | 80 | $56,793 | 53% |
| Sebastian, FL | $58,410 | 50 | $59,415 | 44% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $58,410 | 490 | $62,192 | 30% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $58,240 | 80 | $67,838 | 28% |
| Deltona, FL | $58,090 | 60 | $58,460 | 37% |
| Victoria, TX | $58,030 | 50 | $64,593 | 24% |
| Topeka, KS | $57,700 | 200 | $64,963 | 26% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $57,420 | 30 | $65,523 | 27% |
| Hickory, NC | $57,220 | 100 | $64,666 | 33% |
| Gulfport, MS | $57,060 | 170 | $63,396 | 30% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $56,870 | 90 | $64,643 | 21% |
| Huntington, WV | $56,710 | 30 | $64,136 | 23% |
| Sumter, SC | $56,500 | 40 | $64,190 | 31% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $56,320 | 60 | $64,148 | 21% |
| Little Rock, AR | $56,270 | 240 | $62,967 | 26% |
| Texarkana, TX | $55,950 | 30 | $66,598 | 27% |
| Valdosta, GA | $55,520 | 50 | $62,897 | 29% |
| Florence, SC | $55,320 | 80 | $63,752 | 33% |
| Provo, UT | $52,540 | 30 | $53,486 | 40% |
| Daphne, AL | $50,700 | 50 | $53,543 | 40% |
| Columbus, GA | $50,080 | 170 | $56,083 | 32% |
| Joplin, MO | $49,200 | 40 | $57,398 | 30% |
| Houma, LA | $48,270 | 120 | $56,720 | 32% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $47,480 | 680 | $49,693 | 38% |
What the median detective salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $93,790 |
| Month | $7,816 |
| Every two weeks | $3,607 |
| Week | $1,804 |
| Hour | $45.09 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a detective: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | Less than 5 years |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +0.2% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 7,800 |
| Self-employed | 0.2% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Game warden | $74,060 | Bachelor's degree |
| Police officer | $76,210 | High school diploma |
| Firefighter | $59,280 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Correctional officer | $58,940 | High school diploma |
| Security guard | $38,020 | High school diploma |
Questions about detective pay
How much does a detective make an hour?
The median is $45.09 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $26.63 and the top 10% over $77.18.
How much does a detective make a month?
About $7,816 a month before taxes at the median salary of $93,790, or $3,607 every two weeks.
What state pays detectives the most?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $160,760. Maryland ($126,730), California ($124,840), Delaware ($122,050) and New Jersey ($116,300) follow.
Where do detectives make the most after cost of living?
The District of Columbia: its median of $160,760 is worth $146,277 at typical US prices. Delaware, Maryland and California come next.
How much do entry-level detectives make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of detectives earn under $55,390 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $69,330, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a detective?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: less than 5 years. On-the-job training: moderate-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 33-3021 (Detectives and Criminal Investigators). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.