National Salary Overview
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Median Salary
$90,618
Average (Mean)
$97,404
Employed Nationwide
114,420
VS
Detectives and Criminal Investigators earns $17,617 more (24.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$90,618
$73,001
Average (Mean) Salary
$97,404
$72,639
Total Employment
114,420
5,210
States with Higher Pay
29
6
Salary by State: Detectives and Criminal Investigators vs Fish and Game Wardens
Showing 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. Detectives and Criminal Investigators pays more in 29 states; Fish and Game Wardens pays more in 6.
| State | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | Fish and Game Wardens | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $66,290 | $74,290 | $-8,000 | ||
| Arkansas | $54,500 | $72,200 | $-17,700 | ||
| California | $124,840 | $100,090 | +$24,750 | ||
| Connecticut | $95,240 | $65,400 | +$29,840 | ||
| Florida | $77,060 | $31,200 | +$45,860 | ||
| Georgia | $65,430 | $79,440 | $-14,010 | ||
| Hawaii | $113,940 | $69,250 | +$44,690 | ||
| Idaho | $72,520 | $73,200 | $-680 | ||
| Indiana | $70,340 | $93,990 | $-23,650 | ||
| Iowa | $79,560 | $98,260 | $-18,700 | ||
| Kansas | $75,740 | $61,840 | +$13,900 | ||
| Kentucky | $71,670 | $54,570 | +$17,100 | ||
| Louisiana | $60,450 | $59,940 | +$510 | ||
| Maine | $88,310 | $73,260 | +$15,050 | ||
| Maryland | $126,730 | $89,300 | +$37,430 | ||
| Michigan | $90,650 | $87,460 | +$3,190 | ||
| Missouri | $75,650 | $70,030 | +$5,620 | ||
| Montana | $92,410 | $59,490 | +$32,920 | ||
| Nebraska | $100,530 | $63,000 | +$37,530 | ||
| Nevada | $94,470 | $91,750 | +$2,720 | ||
| New Jersey | $116,300 | $72,920 | +$43,380 | ||
| New York | $101,240 | $80,060 | +$21,180 | ||
| North Carolina | $63,280 | $61,430 | +$1,850 | ||
| North Dakota | $82,290 | $79,520 | +$2,770 | ||
| Ohio | $79,300 | $75,880 | +$3,420 | ||
| Oklahoma | $80,430 | $69,120 | +$11,310 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $97,580 | $50,250 | +$47,330 | ||
| South Dakota | $77,730 | $68,810 | +$8,920 | ||
| Tennessee | $77,090 | $75,930 | +$1,160 | ||
| Texas | $90,510 | $85,980 | +$4,530 | ||
| Vermont | $106,330 | $74,940 | +$31,390 | ||
| Virginia | $112,760 | $66,540 | +$46,220 | ||
| West Virginia | $92,410 | $62,530 | +$29,880 | ||
| Wisconsin | $91,040 | $89,110 | +$1,930 | ||
| Wyoming | $81,880 | $74,060 | +$7,820 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Detectives and Criminal Investigators vs Fish and Game Wardens salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Detectives and Criminal Investigators or Fish and Game Wardens?
On average across all states, a Detectives and Criminal Investigators earns more than a Fish and Game Wardens. The national median salary difference is $17,617 (24.1%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators earn more than a Fish and Game Wardens?
A Detectives and Criminal Investigators earns a higher median salary than a Fish and Game Wardens in 29 out of 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Fish and Game Wardens pays more in 6 states.
What is the median salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators vs Fish and Game Wardens?
The national median salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators is $90,618 per year, compared to $73,001 for a Fish and Game Wardens, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Detectives and Criminal Investigators or Fish and Game Wardens?
There are more people employed as Detectives and Criminal Investigators. BLS reports approximately 114,420 Detectives and Criminal Investigators positions and 5,210 Fish and Game Wardens positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Detectives and Criminal Investigators or Fish and Game Wardens?
Both Detectives and Criminal Investigators and Fish and Game Wardens are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
Explore Career Options
Build My Resume Get Certified & Earn More Find Remote & Flexible Jobs Learn a New LanguageCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.