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Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Tennessee

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Tennessee?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$77,090
Median Annual Salary
▲ +5.9% vs 2024
$87,790
Mean Salary
$77,090
Median Salary
$37.06
Hourly Rate
1,860 people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Tennessee

Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary by percentile in Tennessee

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

Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in Tennessee — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Tennessee.10thBottom 10% earn less than $49,660$49,66025th25% earn less than $60,730$60,730MedianHalf earn more than $77,090$77,09075th75% earn less than $107,810$107,81090thTop 10% earn more than $149,280$149,280

Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Tennessee earn a median salary of $77,090 per year ($6,424/month). This is 14.9% below the national average of $90,619. Tennessee ranks #38 out of 51 states for Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay. Approximately 1,860 people work in this occupation across Tennessee. Salaries increased by 5.9% 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 Tennessee

Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Tennessee range from $49,660 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $149,280 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $60,730 and $107,810.

Median $77,090
P10: $49,660 P25: $60,730 P75: $107,810 P90: $149,280
10th
$49,660
25th
$60,730
Median
$77,090
75th
$107,810
90th
$149,280
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $49,660 $23.88 $4,138
25th Percentile $60,730 $29.20 $5,060
Median (50th) $77,090 $37.06 $6,424
75th Percentile $107,810 $51.83 $8,984
90th Percentile (Experienced) $149,280 $71.77 $12,440

Note: The mean (average) salary of $87,790 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#38
Tennessee ranks #38 of 51 states
$90,619
National avg. for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
-14.9%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

Explore Detectives and Criminal Investigators Data in Tennessee

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 Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Tennessee is $77,090 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $87,790.
What is the salary range for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Tennessee?
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Tennessee range from $49,660 at the 10th percentile to $149,280 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $60,730 and $107,810.
What is the starting salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Tennessee?
Entry-level Detectives and Criminal Investigators positions in Tennessee typically start around $49,660 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $60,730 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,860 people are employed as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Tennessee is approximately $37.06 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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