▼30%
$84,100
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$53k
MEDIAN
$84k
90%
$170k
The average salary for a Detective is $84,100 in 2026
Base Salary
$53k - $170k
Bonus
$4k - $8k
Total Pay
$49k - $144k
Is Average Detective with Criminal Skills Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Detectives?
What Do Detectives Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Detective
Medical
100%
Dental
73%
Vision
73%
Gender Breakdown for Detectives
Male
86.7%
Female
13.3%
This data is based on 15 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 $170k / year
What is the lowest pay for Detectives?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Detective is $53k / 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.