Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Washington
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Washington earn a median annual wage of $115,790 —23.5% above the national median of $93,790. That ranks WA #6 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 0.71× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in Washington.
Highest-paying states for detectives and criminal investigators
All 51 states ranked by median annual wage. Washington 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 Washington
Occupations in the same job family, compared within Washington.
| Occupation | Washington median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guards | $47,100 | $38,020 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $102,080 | $76,210 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $79,460 | $58,940 |
| Firefighters | $94,520 | $59,280 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $37,770 | $33,580 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $136,280 | $106,040 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do detectives and criminal investigators make in Washington?
The median annual wage for detectives and criminal investigators in Washington is $115,790, or $55.67 per hour. That is 23.5% above the national median of $93,790.
What is the entry-level detectives and criminal investigators salary in Washington?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $84,500 per year ($40.63/hour). The 25th percentile is $96,540.
How many people work as detectives and criminal investigators in Washington?
About 1,850 people work in this occupation in Washington, or 0.5 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is Washington a good state for detectives and criminal investigators?
Washington ranks #6 of 51 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.71x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in Washington.
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).