SALARY GUIDE

Unlock the Earnings Potential of a Detective Career

From entry‑level investigations to senior leadership, see how your pay can grow over time and across sectors.

Salary Overview

Compare salaries across experience levels and countries

Entry Level
$45,000
0‑2 years experience
Mid‑Career
$80,000
5‑10 years experience
Senior
$110,000
15+ years experience
Top 10%
$150,000
High performers
Average Salary by Country
United States$70,000
Canada$65,000
United Kingdom£45,000
AustraliaA$80,000
Germany€55,000
India₹8,00,000

40‑Year Career Salary Projection

See how your earning potential grows throughout your career

0y10y20y30y40y$60k$80kYears of Experience

Top Paying Industries

Compare average salaries across sectors

Salary by Industry
Law Enforcement (Federal, State, Local)$70,000
Private Investigation Firms$65,000
Corporate Security Departments$78,000
Insurance Fraud Investigation$72,000
Consulting & Advisory Services$85,000

Salary by Specialization

Explore earning potential in different areas

Homicide Detective
$85,000
Average annual salary
Cybercrime Detective
$95,000
Average annual salary
Narcotics Detective
$80,000
Average annual salary
Financial Crimes Detective
$90,000
Average annual salary
Missing Persons Detective
$78,000
Average annual salary
Key Factors Affecting Salary
  • Years of investigative experience
  • Level of education (associate, bachelor's, master's)
  • Professional certifications
  • Jurisdiction and agency budget
  • Specialization in high‑risk crime types
  • Union or civil service pay scales

Certification Impact

Boost your earning potential with professional certifications

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
Up to $10,000
Salary increase potential
Certified Criminal Investigator (CCI)
Up to $8,000
Salary increase potential
Certified Cybercrime Investigator (CCI)
Up to $12,000
Salary increase potential
Advanced Investigative Interviewing (AII)
Up to $5,000
Salary increase potential

Global Market Insights

Understand the worldwide salary landscape

Highest Paying
Switzerland
Fastest Growing
United Arab Emirates
Most Stable
United States
Job Market Outlook

Demand for skilled detectives remains steady as crime complexity rises. Government agencies project a 5‑7% annual increase in investigative positions, while private firms see faster growth driven by corporate fraud and cyber threats. Career advancement often leads to supervisory roles, specialized units, or consultancy opportunities, offering higher compensation and broader impact.

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