Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Kentucky
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Kentucky earn a median of $71,670 a year, −24% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $71,670
- vs. U.S. median
- −24% ($93,790)
- Rank among states
- 43 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 720
Pay range in Kentucky
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $51,640; the top 10% earn over $149,280. Nationally the range is $55,390 to $160,540.
States ranked near Kentucky
Similar jobs in Kentucky
- Customs and Border Protection Officers$60,490 median in Kentucky (broader BLS group)
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$60,490 median in Kentucky
- Coroners$69,240 median in Kentucky (broader BLS group)
- Compliance Officers$69,240 median in Kentucky
- Animal Control Workers$35,360 median in Kentucky
- Private Detectives and Investigators$47,650 median in Kentucky
Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay in Kentucky
How much do detectives and criminal investigators make in Kentucky?
The median is $71,670 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $51,640 and the top 10% earn over $149,280. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is Kentucky a good state for detectives and criminal investigators?
On pay alone it ranks 43 of 51 (−24% vs. the national median of $93,790). Living costs are not included.