How much does a detective make?
Answer: A typical detective in the United States makes $93,790 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 114,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Detective pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $55,390 | $93,790 | $160,540 | about 114,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $160,760 | about 3,000 |
| Maryland | $126,730 | about 1,000 |
| California | $124,840 | about 13,000 |
| New Jersey | $116,300 | about 3,000 |
| Washington | $115,790 | about 2,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience and promotion rank, the agency and location, and a detective’s specialty or extra training. Paid overtime is common, and shifts are needed around the clock, so extra hours can also affect total pay.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a detective do?
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes. Excludes “Private Detectives and Investigators” (33-9021).
What's a typical day like?
A detective may visit a crime scene, interview witnesses, check records, and watch a suspect while gathering evidence. They write reports, prepare a case for court, and may testify; shifts and paid overtime are common.
How to get this job
In the U.S., finish high school (some agencies want college), pass fitness and background checks, and complete a police academy; applicants are usually at least 21. Work as an officer first, then gain experience and pass your department’s promotion process.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like figuring things out and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
By 2021, the FBI said its DNA database CODIS had helped more than 545,000 investigations since 1998.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Protective Service jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-3021.00
- www.joinlapd.com/career-ladder
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/press-releases/the-fbis-combined-dna-index-syste
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY