How Much Do Police Detectives Earn? Uncovering the Facts
Police detectives play a crucial role in investigating crimes. Their salaries vary based on location, experience, and the agency they work for. This article examines:
- The duties of detectives compared to officers
- Average detective salaries across the United States
- Top and bottom-paying states for detectives
- How experience affects detective pay over time
- High-earning jobs related to detective work
- Common benefits, job outlook, and career paths
- Frequently asked questions about detective compensation
Get insights into this challenging yet rewarding profession.
What is a Police Detective?
Before we dive into salaries, let’s clarify what police detectives actually do. Detective work is an investigative role that goes beyond basic law enforcement duties. While regular police officers protect public safety and respond to incidents, detectives gather evidence and attempt to solve crimes.
Some key responsibilities of detectives include:
- Interviewing witnesses, victims, and suspects to piece together crime details
- Collecting and examining physical evidence from crime scenes
- Researching records, databases, and other sources to find leads
- Working closely with forensics experts and the legal system
- Writing comprehensive reports and case files
Detectives typically specialize in specific types of crimes like homicide, robbery, fraud, or narcotics. They use critical thinking and analytical skills to put the puzzle pieces together.
Average Police Detective Salary in the United States
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for police detectives and criminal investigators is $68,582 as of April 2024. The top 10% earn over $89,958, while the bottom 10% make under $57,040 annually.
Other reputable sources report similar national averages:
- PayScale lists an average of $73,221 per year for detectives based on analyzing active job postings.
- Glassdoor estimates total pay ranging from $72,000 to $120,000 annually, with base salaries of $67,000 to $112,000.
As you can see, there is a relatively wide range in detective earnings across the U.S. This is because pay can vary substantially based on multiple factors such as:
- Cost of living and pay scales in different locations
- The detective’s years of experience and qualifications
- Whether employed by a local, state or federal law enforcement agency
- Specialized roles, overtime hours, and eligibility for bonuses/promotions
In general, entry-level detective salaries tend to be in the $50,000 to $70,000 range. As detectives gain more experience over their careers, they can advance to higher earnings of $70,000 to $90,000 or more annually.
Top Paying States and Cities for Detectives
Since location is a major factor impacting pay, it’s worth looking at which U.S. states and cities offer the highest salaries for police detectives.
According to Glassdoor research ranking all 50 states, the top 5 highest paying for detective jobs are:
- Chicago ($112,842 avg. annual salary)
- San Diego ($103,622)
- Philadelphia ($102,207)
- Austin ($101,138)
- New York ($107,618)
How Experience Impacts Detective Earnings
Like many career paths, a detective’s earning potential increases substantially as they gain more experience over the years. Here’s a general overview of typical salaries by experience level:
Entry Level (0-5 years): $50,000 – $70,000
Mid-Career (5-10 years): $70,000 – $90,000
Experienced (10-20 years): $80,000 – $110,000
Late Career (20+ years): $90,000 – $131,200+
Of course, these are just rough estimates. Actual pay can be higher or lower depending on the agency, location, role, performance, and other variables.
Many detectives are able to achieve significant salary growth by getting promoted to supervisory positions like:
- Sergeant/Corporal
- Lieutenant
- Captain
- Chief/Commander
For example, according to PayScale the average police captain salary is around $90,349. Police chiefs and commissioners can earn $100,000 to $200,000+ at the federal level.
High-Paying Related Jobs for Detectives
In addition to traditional police detective roles, there are other well-paid investigation careers in areas like:
Fraud Examination: $144,500 – $150,000
DNA Analysis: $81,000 – $98,000
Crime Scene Investigation (Criminalist): $38,500 – $96,000
Financial Crimes/Money Laundering: Up to $130,000+
Professionals in these specialized fields conduct complex data analysis, forensics, and casework. They aid law enforcement while earning salaries that can meet or exceed senior detective pay.
Benefits and Job Outlook
In addition to robust salaries, most police detective positions also come with a solid benefits package that may include:
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Retirement/Pension Plans
- Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
- Tuition Assistance
- Life Insurance
- Disability Coverage
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030 – about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth will be driven by needs for public safety and investigative services.
Competition for detective roles tends to be very strong due to attractive salaries and benefits. Candidates with college education, military experience, and advanced training have the best prospects.
How to Become a Police Detective
While requirements can vary by agency and location, most police detectives follow a similar career path:
- Earn a high school diploma and complete police academy training
- Gain 3-5+ years of experience as a police officer
- Earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, police science, or related field
- Get promoted to detective by excelling at investigative skills and passing exams
- Consider specializing in an area like fraud, homicide, cybercrime etc.
- Maintain active certification, firearm qualifications and ongoing training
Effective detectives need a unique mix of technical skills as well as intangible qualities like:
- Observational and deductive reasoning abilities
- Interviewing and interrogation techniques
- Report writing and documentation
- Knowledge of criminal laws and court procedures
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Physical fitness and composure under stress
Many aspiring detectives also pursue advanced degrees or professional certifications to enhance their qualifications and earning potential.
FAQs on Police Detective Salaries
How much does a police detective make per hour?
Based on a 2,080 hour work year, the average $68,582 annual salary equates to about $32.97 per hour for detectives. Hourly wages can range from $20-$63+ depending on experience and employer.
What’s the difference between a police detective and criminal investigator salary?
The roles and job titles are very similar. The Bureau of Labor Statistics groups them together with an average of $68,582 for both detective and criminal investigator jobs.
Do detectives get paid more than police officers?
Yes, detectives earn higher salaries on average compared to patrol officers due to greater responsibilities, specialized training, and more experience required.
Can you make six figures as a police detective?
While most detectives make $50,000-$100,000, it is possible to earn over $100,000 annually for highly experienced roles at large metropolitan agencies or federal law enforcement.
What state has the highest paid police detectives?
According to ZipRecruiter data, police detectives earn the highest average salary of $92,500 in Washington state, followed by Delaware and Virginia.
In Short..
As this guide has shown, police detective salaries can vary significantly based on location, experience level, and type of law enforcement agency. While the national average falls around $68,582 annually, top-paying metropolitan areas offer six-figure salaries for seasoned investigators. With competitive benefits, growth potential, and the chance to make a real impact, pursuing a detective career can be a financially and personally rewarding path. By understanding the key factors driving earnings in this field, you’re better equipped to maximize your income as a criminal investigator.
