Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Pennsylvania

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Pennsylvania?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$97,580
Median Annual Salary
▼ -1.2% vs 2024
$101,760
Mean Salary
$97,580
Median Salary
$46.91
Hourly Rate
3,370 people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Pennsylvania

Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary by percentile in Pennsylvania

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

Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in Pennsylvania — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Pennsylvania.10thBottom 10% earn less than $63,770$63,77025th25% earn less than $79,190$79,190MedianHalf earn more than $97,580$97,58075th75% earn less than $116,960$116,96090thTop 10% earn more than $154,360$154,360

Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $97,580 per year ($8,131/month). This is 7.7% above the national average of $90,619. Pennsylvania ranks #17 out of 51 states for Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay. Approximately 3,370 people work in this occupation across Pennsylvania. Salaries decreased by 1.2% 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 Pennsylvania

Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Pennsylvania range from $63,770 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $154,360 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $79,190 and $116,960.

Median $97,580
P10: $63,770 P25: $79,190 P75: $116,960 P90: $154,360
10th
$63,770
25th
$79,190
Median
$97,580
75th
$116,960
90th
$154,360
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $63,770 $30.66 $5,314
25th Percentile $79,190 $38.07 $6,599
Median (50th) $97,580 $46.91 $8,131
75th Percentile $116,960 $56.23 $9,746
90th Percentile (Experienced) $154,360 $74.21 $12,863

Note: The mean (average) salary of $101,760 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#17
Pennsylvania ranks #17 of 51 states
$90,619
National avg. for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
+7.7%
vs. national average
Above Average

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

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

Explore Detectives and Criminal Investigators Data in Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Pennsylvania is $97,580 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $101,760.
What is the salary range for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Pennsylvania?
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Pennsylvania range from $63,770 at the 10th percentile to $154,360 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $79,190 and $116,960.
What is the starting salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level Detectives and Criminal Investigators positions in Pennsylvania typically start around $63,770 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $79,190 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Pennsylvania?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,370 people are employed as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Pennsylvania.
What is the hourly rate for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Pennsylvania?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Pennsylvania is approximately $46.91 per hour.

💼 Earning $97,580/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

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

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn