State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
Detective and Criminal Investigator Salary (2026): Data, Outlook & How to Become One
The median pay for Detectives and Criminal Investigators is $93,790 a year ($45.09/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to fall 0.7% through 2034, with about 7,800 openings a year (BLS EP, 2024–2034). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
SOC 33-3021Protective ServiceLast updated August 23, 2026
- Median pay
- $93,790
- Projected growth
- -0.7%
- Openings a year
- 7,800
- Typical education
- High school
BLS OEWS, May 2025
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
Also advertised as: Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), Criminal Investigator, Detective, Fugitive Detective, Fugitive Investigator, Investigator.
How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make?
10th percentile$55,390
Entry / lowest-paid tenth
25th percentile$69,330
Lower quartile
Median (50th)$93,790
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile$120,520
Upper quartile
90th percentile$160,540
Top-paid tenth
| Median annual wage | $93,790 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly wage | $45.09/hr |
| Mean annual wage | $99,430 |
| People employed | 114,430 |
Versus all US occupations
At $93,790, Detectives and Criminal Investigators earn 84% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $42,810 a year.
Versus protective service occupations
Inside the Protective Service group, where the middle occupation pays $59,110, this is 59% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $160,540 or more while the bottom 10% earn $55,390, a gap of 2.9×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 74% of the 923 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
District of Columbia pays the most at $160,760, and still leads at $146,277 once local prices are taken into account.
Which states pay Detectives and Criminal Investigators the most?
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $160,760 | $146,277 | 2,980 |
| Maryland | $126,730 | $120,742 | 1,010 |
| California | $124,840 | $112,753 | 12,610 |
| Delaware | $122,050 | $122,285 | 140 |
| New Jersey | $116,300 | $106,888 | 3,080 |
| Washington | $115,790 | $108,202 | 1,850 |
| Alaska | $114,940 | $112,291 | 140 |
| Hawaii | $113,940 | $103,628 | 440 |
| Virginia | $112,760 | $111,529 | 3,180 |
| Massachusetts | $110,150 | $104,154 | 1,300 |
Is Detective and Criminal Investigator a growing career?
Detectives and Criminal Investigators-0.7%
All US occupations3.1%
-0.7% projected growth vs 3.1% for all occupations.
Declining
BLS projects employment of Detectives and Criminal Investigators to change -0.7% over 2024–2034, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.1%. That is 800 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 7,800 openings are projected each year, 6.6% of the 117,900 jobs that existed in 2024. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of police and detectives varies by occupation (see table).
A desire for public safety may result in a need for more officers. However, demand for employment is expected to vary by location, driven largely by local and state budgets. Even when crime rates fall, demand for police services to maintain public safety is expected to continue.
How to become a Detective and Criminal Investigator
This is two different jobs sharing one occupation code, and confusing them wastes years. In local and state policing, detective is a promotion, not an entry point: because they need experience in law enforcement, detectives typically begin their careers as police officers, and in large departments an officer may be promoted to detective after a probationary period, usually on the basis of a written examination and on-the-job performance. Federal criminal investigator, the GS-1811 series, is a separate hiring route with its own education, experience, age, medical and clearance standards, entered directly rather than by promotion.
The credential path, step by step
- For local and state work, get hired and certified as a police officer first
Applicants need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, though some departments require college coursework or a degree. Candidates usually must be at least 21 and able to meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications. Most states and local jurisdictions require candidates to be US citizens, but some do not.
- Pass the academy and serve your probation
Candidates usually attend a training academy covering state and local laws, constitutional law, civil rights and police ethics, with supervised experience in patrol, traffic control, firearm use, self-defense, first aid and emergency response. Police officers usually become eligible for promotion only after a probationary period.
- Earn the promotion to detective
Promotions to corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and captain are usually made according to scores on a written examination and on-the-job performance, and in large departments an officer may be promoted to detective or to specialise in one type of police work. A bachelor's degree may be required for advancement to lieutenant or higher.
- Or apply directly for a federal criminal investigator position
Federal agencies such as the FBI may require prospective detectives and investigators to hold a bachelor's degree, and FBI special agent applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience, or one year plus an advanced degree. Federal law enforcement agents train at Quantico or at a Federal Law Enforcement Training Center rather than at a state academy.
- Clear the federal age, medical and clearance standards
These are strict and specific. FBI special agents must be at least 23, must apply before their 36th birthday and must enter on duty no later than the day before their 37th birthday, must hold a valid driver's licence, must be able to legally possess and carry a firearm, and must be able to obtain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance, which involves a background investigation including a polygraph. Age waivers exist for preference-eligible veterans, current FBI employees and applicants with prior federal law enforcement service.
- Complete the federal academy18 weeks
FBI special agents receive 850 hours of instruction in defensive tactics, investigative techniques and firearms skills across an 18-week immersion in the Basic Field Training Course at Quantico.
- How long the training takes
Several years: an academy, a probationary period and enough patrol experience to be competitive for promotion
The federal route is faster in principle (direct hire into the 1811 series) but the FBI warns its hiring and clearance process can take more than a year before the 18-week academy even begins.
Licensing and state variation
Licensed state by state
For local and state detectives everything that applies to police officers applies here first: there is no national licence, hiring is by the individual agency, and the authority to act comes from the state's peace officer standards body. Federal criminal investigator positions sit outside that system entirely. They are classified in the GS-1811 Criminal Investigation Series, filled against OPM qualification standards, and carry federal-only conditions: US citizenship, a Top Secret clearance, a maximum entry age, and the OPM medical requirements for the series, which specify sufficiently good vision in each eye with or without correction, hearing loss not exceeding 35 decibels at the 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hz levels as measured by audiometer, and emotional and mental stability, with any physical condition that would make the applicant a hazard to themselves or others being disqualifying.
Who governs the credential
- US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) — Publishes the qualification standard for the GS-1811 Criminal Investigation Series, which is what makes federal criminal investigator a defined occupation with its own individual occupational requirements. The 1811 standard is used together with the Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions and adds the series-specific medical requirements.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) — One 1811 employer, and the most documented example of the standards. It runs the Special Agent Selection System, sets grade-specific entry requirements (GL-9 needs a bachelor's plus one year of sworn law enforcement experience or an advanced degree; GL-10 needs a bachelor's plus at least two years of full-time professional experience or an advanced degree plus one year), and separately recruits experienced federal 1811s from other agencies with at least two years of continuous 1811 experience.
Credential detail for detective and criminal investigators is researched by hand from the bodies that issue it, not derived from BLS or O*NET. Sources last checked August 23, 2026. Requirements change: confirm with your own state board before enrolling in anything.
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Police and Detectives, How to Become One · checked August 23, 2026
- US Office of Personnel Management — Criminal Investigation Series 1811 qualification standard · checked August 23, 2026
- FBI Jobs — Special Agent Application and Evaluation Process (eligibility, age limits, 1811 initiative) · checked August 23, 2026
- FBI Jobs — Special Agents (Basic Field Training Course, 850 hours over 18 weeks) · checked August 23, 2026
- FBI Jobs — Eligibility (citizenship, background investigation, polygraph, hiring process) · checked August 23, 2026
What the federal data says
The education typically required to enter the occupation ranges from a high school diploma to a college degree. Most police and detectives must graduate from their agency’s training academy before completing a period of on-the-job training. Other requirements vary, but candidates usually must be at least 21 years old and able to meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications. A felony conviction or drug use may disqualify a candidate.
| Typical entry-level education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Preparation needed (O*NET job zone) | Some preparation |
| Work experience in a related occupation | Less than 5 years |
| Typical on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as detectives and criminal investigators.
- High School Diploma32.5%
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)20.0%
- Post-Secondary Certificate19.7%
- Some College Courses17.9%
- Bachelor's Degree10.0%
What does a Detective and Criminal Investigator do?
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators, who are sometimes called agents or special agents, gather facts and collect evidence of crimes.
Day-to-day tasks
- Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
- Collaborate with other offices and agencies to exchange information and coordinate activities.
- Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
- Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
- Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.
- Question individuals or observe persons and establishments to confirm information given to patrol officers.
- Notify, or request notification of, medical examiner or district attorney representative.
- Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most police and detectives work full time. Paid overtime is common, and shift work is necessary to protect the public at all times.
FBI special agents must work at least 50 hours a week and are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Where the work happens
- Indoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day
Working with people
- Constant contact with other people
- Face-to-face discussions every day
- Dealing with customers or the public is very important
Pressure and stakes
- Handling conflict situations at least monthly
- Mistakes carry very serious consequences
Autonomy
- A lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey, showing only the signals people in the job report decisively one way or the other.
Core skills
- Active Listening4.4/5
- Speaking4.3/5
- Critical Thinking4.1/5
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Active Learning3.5/5
- Writing3.4/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
- Learning Strategies2.8/5
Transferable skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8/5
- Coordination3.5/5
- Service Orientation3.5/5
- Persuasion3.1/5
- Negotiation3.0/5
- Time Management3.0/5
Tools and software
- Analytical or scientific software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Process mapping and design software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Desktop publishing software
- Geographic information system
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
What personality type suits a Detective and Criminal Investigator?
Interest profile: O*NET Occupational Interests, scored 1–7
Realisticprimary4.2
Investigativeprimary4.9
Artistic1.2
Social2.7
Enterprising4.0
Conventionalprimary4.8
Day to day this is work built around investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Detective and Criminal Investigator: frequently asked questions
How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make?
Detectives and Criminal Investigators earn a median of $93,790 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 84% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $45.09/hr. The middle half earn between $69,330 and $120,520. The top 10% earn $160,540 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Detective and Criminal Investigator?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Detectives and Criminal Investigators. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. Employers typically expect less than 5 years of related work experience first. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 32.5% hold high school diploma.
Is Detective and Criminal Investigator a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 0.7% over 2024–2034, a loss of 800 jobs (BLS EP, 2024–2034). BLS still projects about 7,800 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Detective and Criminal Investigator do?
Police officers protect lives and property. A core O*NET task: record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants. Employers most often ask for Analytical or scientific software, Data base user interface and query software, Electronic mail software.
Which states pay Detectives and Criminal Investigators the most?
The highest state medians for Detectives and Criminal Investigators are District of Columbia ($160,760), Maryland ($126,730), California ($124,840) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Detective and Criminal Investigator?
O*NET scores Detectives and Criminal Investigators highest on the Investigative, Conventional and Realistic interest areas, so the work mixes investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 923 occupations in the bank.
How long does it take to become a Detective and Criminal Investigator?
Several years: an academy, a probationary period and enough patrol experience to be competitive for promotion. The federal route is faster in principle (direct hire into the 1811 series) but the FBI warns its hiring and clearance process can take more than a year before the 18-week academy even begins.
Do you need a license to work as a Detective and Criminal Investigator?
Yes, and it is issued by the state you work in, not nationally. For local and state detectives everything that applies to police officers applies here first: there is no national licence, hiring is by the individual agency, and the authority to act comes from the state's peace officer standards body. Federal criminal investigator positions sit outside that system entirely. They are classified in the GS-1811 Criminal Investigation Series, filled against OPM qualification standards, and carry federal-only conditions: US citizenship, a Top Secret clearance, a maximum entry age, and the OPM medical requirements for the series, which specify sufficiently good vision in each eye with or without correction, hearing loss not exceeding 35 decibels at the 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hz levels as measured by audiometer, and emotional and mental stability, with any physical condition that would make the applicant a hazard to themselves or others being disqualifying.