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Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in New Jersey

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in New Jersey?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$116,300
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.2% vs 2024
$116,540
Mean Salary
$116,300
Median Salary
$55.91
Hourly Rate
3,080 people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Jersey

Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary by percentile in New Jersey

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in New Jersey — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Jersey.10thBottom 10% earn less than $73,100$73,10025th25% earn less than $91,360$91,360MedianHalf earn more than $116,300$116,30075th75% earn less than $134,000$134,00090thTop 10% earn more than $165,570$165,570

Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Jersey earn a median salary of $116,300 per year ($9,691/month). This is 28.3% above the national average of $90,619. New Jersey ranks #5 out of 51 states for Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay. Approximately 3,080 people work in this occupation across New Jersey. Salaries increased by 2.2% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Jersey

Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Jersey range from $73,100 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $165,570 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $91,360 and $134,000.

Median $116,300
P10: $73,100 P25: $91,360 P75: $134,000 P90: $165,570
10th
$73,100
25th
$91,360
Median
$116,300
75th
$134,000
90th
$165,570
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $73,100 $35.14 $6,091
25th Percentile $91,360 $43.92 $7,613
Median (50th) $116,300 $55.91 $9,691
75th Percentile $134,000 $64.42 $11,166
90th Percentile (Experienced) $165,570 $79.60 $13,797

Note: The mean (average) salary of $116,540 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#5
New Jersey ranks #5 of 51 states
$90,619
National avg. for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
+28.3%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in New Jersey adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Detectives and Criminal Investigators take-home pay in New Jersey after taxes →

Explore Detectives and Criminal Investigators Data in New Jersey

Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary by State

Compare Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Jersey is $116,300 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $116,540.
What is the salary range for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Jersey?
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Jersey range from $73,100 at the 10th percentile to $165,570 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $91,360 and $134,000.
What is the starting salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Jersey?
Entry-level Detectives and Criminal Investigators positions in New Jersey typically start around $73,100 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $91,360 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Jersey?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,080 people are employed as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Jersey.
What is the hourly rate for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Jersey?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Jersey is approximately $55.91 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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