Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in District of Columbia
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in District of Columbia earn a median of $160,760 a year, +71% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $160,760
- vs. U.S. median
- +71% ($93,790)
- Rank among states
- 1 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 2,980
Pay range in District of Columbia
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $94,220; the top 10% earn over $195,190. Nationally the range is $55,390 to $160,540.
States ranked near District of Columbia
Similar jobs in District of Columbia
- Customs and Border Protection Officers$88,650 median in District of Columbia (broader BLS group)
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$88,650 median in District of Columbia
- Coroners$111,030 median in District of Columbia (broader BLS group)
- Compliance Officers$111,030 median in District of Columbia
- Private Detectives and Investigators$72,720 median in District of Columbia
Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay in District of Columbia
How much do detectives and criminal investigators make in District of Columbia?
The median is $160,760 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $94,220 and the top 10% earn over $195,190. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is District of Columbia a good state for detectives and criminal investigators?
On pay alone it ranks 1 of 51 (+71% vs. the national median of $93,790). Living costs are not included.