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Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Kentucky
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Kentucky?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$71,670
Median Annual Salary
▼
-7.5% vs 2024
$86,900
Mean Salary
$71,670
Median Salary
$34.46
Hourly Rate
720 people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Kentucky
Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary by percentile in Kentucky
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Kentucky earn a median salary of $71,670 per year ($5,972/month).
This is 20.9% below the national average of $90,619.
Kentucky ranks #43 out of 51 states for Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay.
Approximately 720 people work in this occupation across Kentucky.
Salaries decreased by 7.5% compared to 2024.
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 Kentucky
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Kentucky range from $51,640 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $149,280 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $61,330 and $96,120.
Median $71,670
P10: $51,640P25: $61,330P75: $96,120P90: $149,280
10th
$51,640
25th
$61,330
Median
$71,670
75th
$96,120
90th
$149,280
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$51,640
$24.83
$4,303
25th Percentile
$61,330
$29.49
$5,110
Median (50th)
$71,670
$34.46
$5,972
75th Percentile
$96,120
$46.21
$8,010
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$149,280
$71.77
$12,440
Note: The mean (average) salary of $86,900 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#43
Kentucky ranks #43 of 51 states
$90,619
National avg. for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Kentucky is $71,670 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $86,900.
What is the salary range for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Kentucky?
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Kentucky range from $51,640 at the 10th percentile to $149,280 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $61,330 and $96,120.
What is the starting salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Kentucky?
Entry-level Detectives and Criminal Investigators positions in Kentucky typically start around $51,640 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $61,330 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 720 people are employed as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Kentucky is approximately $34.46 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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