▼34%
$87,761
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$51k
MEDIAN
$88k
90%
$134k
The average salary for a Detective is $87,761 in 2026
Base Salary
$51k - $134k
Bonus
$4k - $15k
Total Pay
$42k - $125k
Is Average Detective Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Detectives?
What Do Detectives Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
How do Detectives Rate Their Jobs?
We need at least 5 ratings before we can calculate a satisfaction score. Are you a Detective? Take our survey to help us meet this goal.
Common Health Benefits for a Detective
Medical
100%
Dental
78%
Vision
78%
Gender Breakdown for Detectives
Male
87.5%
Female
12.5%
This data is based on 16 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Detectives
What is the highest pay for Detectives?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Detective is $134k / year
What is the lowest pay for Detectives?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Detective is $51k / year
How can Detectives increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Detective is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Detective that oversees more junior Detectives, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.