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Best States for Detectives and Criminal Investigators: Highest-paid Detectives and Criminal Investigators by State

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    Carter A
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Detectives and criminal investigators play a crucial role in solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice through gathering evidence and analyzing clues.

This article will explore the best states for detectives and criminal investigators, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.

Key Takeaways

  • The highest-paid detectives and criminal investigators are in District of Columbia, where they earn an average of $133,890 per year.
  • The lowest-paid detectives and criminal investigators are in Mississippi, where they earn an average of $58,500 per year.
  • The U.S. average salary for detectives and criminal investigators is $87,671 per year.

1. District of Columbia ($133,890)

District of Columbia Detectives and Criminal Investigators in District of Columbia earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for detectives and criminal investigators in District of Columbia is $133,890, which is +53% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$133,890
10th Percentile$85,560
25th Percentile$100,650
75th Percentile$160,220
90th Percentile$175,340

2. Alaska ($128,410)

Alaska Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Alaska earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for detectives and criminal investigators in Alaska is $128,410, which is +46% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$128,410
10th Percentile$75,500
25th Percentile$101,450
75th Percentile$158,870
90th Percentile$165,690

3. Hawaii ($119,290)

Hawaii Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Hawaii earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for detectives and criminal investigators in Hawaii is $119,290, which is +36% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$119,290
10th Percentile$94,490
25th Percentile$107,450
75th Percentile$139,120
90th Percentile$150,740

4. Maryland ($117,800)

Maryland Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Maryland earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for detectives and criminal investigators in Maryland is $117,800, which is +34% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$117,800
10th Percentile$59,070
25th Percentile$85,280
75th Percentile$155,770
90th Percentile$169,120

5. Washington ($110,620)

Washington Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Washington earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for detectives and criminal investigators in Washington is $110,620, which is +26% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$110,620
10th Percentile$74,590
25th Percentile$93,250
75th Percentile$128,640
90th Percentile$153,340

6. New York ($110,390)

New York Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New York earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for detectives and criminal investigators in New York is $110,390, which is +26% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$110,390
10th Percentile$61,410
25th Percentile$78,800
75th Percentile$150,820
90th Percentile$169,100

7. California ($110,320)

California Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for detectives and criminal investigators in California is $110,320, which is +26% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$110,320
10th Percentile$73,320
25th Percentile$92,830
75th Percentile$126,110
90th Percentile$153,210

8. New Jersey ($103,960)

New Jersey Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Jersey earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for detectives and criminal investigators in New Jersey is $103,960, which is +19% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$103,960
10th Percentile$60,990
25th Percentile$75,650
75th Percentile$125,550
90th Percentile$163,240

9. Illinois ($100,140)

Illinois Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Illinois earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for detectives and criminal investigators in Illinois is $100,140, which is +14% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$100,140
10th Percentile$62,650
25th Percentile$76,520
75th Percentile$116,000
90th Percentile$152,980

10. Virginia ($100,010)

Virginia Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Virginia earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for detectives and criminal investigators in Virginia is $100,010, which is +14% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$100,010
10th Percentile$48,270
25th Percentile$61,320
75th Percentile$138,780
90th Percentile$169,120

Conclusion

The highest-paid detectives and criminal investigators are in District of Columbia, where they earn an average of $133,890 per year. The lowest-paid detectives and criminal investigators are in Mississippi, where they earn an average of $58,500 per year. The U.S. average salary for detectives and criminal investigators is $87,671 per year and there are 107,920 jobs in the field.