Detectives and Criminal Investigators Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for detectives and criminal investigators in the United States was $45.09, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $26.63 |
| 25th | $33.33 |
| Median | $45.09 |
| 75th | $57.94 |
| 90th | $77.18 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do detectives and criminal investigators make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $45.09; the mean hourly wage is $47.80.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for detectives and criminal investigators?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $26.63 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for detectives and criminal investigators?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $77.18 per hour.