Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Maryland
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Maryland earn a median annual wage of $126,730 —35.1% above the national median of $93,790. That ranks MD #2 of 51 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is only 0.50× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in Maryland.
Highest-paying states for detectives and criminal investigators
All 51 states ranked by median annual wage. Maryland is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $160,760 | $77.29 | 2,980 | 5.78 |
| 2 | Maryland | $126,730 | $60.93 | 1,010 | 0.50 |
| 3 | California | $124,840 | $60.02 | 12,610 | 0.94 |
| 4 | Delaware | $122,050 | $58.68 | 140 | 0.40 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $116,300 | $55.92 | 3,080 | 0.98 |
| 6 | Washington | $115,790 | $55.67 | 1,850 | 0.71 |
| 7 | Alaska | $114,940 | $55.26 | 140 | 0.58 |
| 8 | Hawaii | $113,940 | $54.78 | 440 | 0.95 |
| 9 | Virginia | $112,760 | $54.21 | 3,180 | 1.05 |
| 10 | Massachusetts | $110,150 | $52.96 | 1,300 | 0.49 |
Related occupations in Maryland
Occupations in the same job family, compared within Maryland.
| Occupation | Maryland median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guards | $38,220 | $38,020 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $77,970 | $76,210 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $64,250 | $58,940 |
| Firefighters | $73,810 | $59,280 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $34,520 | $33,580 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $120,700 | $106,040 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do detectives and criminal investigators make in Maryland?
The median annual wage for detectives and criminal investigators in Maryland is $126,730, or $60.93 per hour. That is 35.1% above the national median of $93,790.
What is the entry-level detectives and criminal investigators salary in Maryland?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $71,200 per year ($34.23/hour). The 25th percentile is $93,230.
How many people work as detectives and criminal investigators in Maryland?
About 1,010 people work in this occupation in Maryland, or 0.4 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is Maryland a good state for detectives and criminal investigators?
Maryland ranks #2 of 51 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.50x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in Maryland.
Which state pays detectives and criminal investigators the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median wage at $160,760 per year, followed by Maryland ($126,730) and California ($124,840).