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Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in District of Columbia
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in District of Columbia?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$160,760
Median Annual Salary
$148,110
Mean Salary
$160,760
Median Salary
$77.29
Hourly Rate
2,980 people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in District of Columbia
Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary by percentile in District of Columbia
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $160,760 per year ($13,396/month).
This is 77.4% above the national average of $90,619.
District of Columbia ranks #1 out of 51 states for Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay.
Approximately 2,980 people work in this occupation across District of Columbia.
About This Job: Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
Top Skills
Active Listening
4.38
Speaking
4.25
Reading Comprehension
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12
Writing
4.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Law and Government
4.84
English Language
4.78
Public Safety and Security
4.61
Customer and Personal Service
4.02
Computers and Electronics
3.87
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(73.9% of workers)
Salary Range: Detectives and Criminal Investigators in District of Columbia
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in District of Columbia range from $94,220 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $195,190 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $114,230 and $170,810.
How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in District of Columbia is $160,760 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $148,110.
What is the salary range for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in District of Columbia?
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in District of Columbia range from $94,220 at the 10th percentile to $195,190 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $114,230 and $170,810.
What is the starting salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in District of Columbia?
Entry-level Detectives and Criminal Investigators positions in District of Columbia typically start around $94,220 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $114,230 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in District of Columbia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,980 people are employed as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in District of Columbia.
What is the hourly rate for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in District of Columbia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in District of Columbia is approximately $77.29 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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