Annual Salary of a Detective

A detective's job is often both dangerous and stressful.

At the federal, state and local levels, detectives play a vital role in identifying and apprehending criminals. Although detectives provide a valuable service, detective salaries vary considerably depending on factors like the detective’s experience, education, location and employer. A number of other factors may also affect a detective’s pay, and some receive valuable nonfinancial benefits.

Salary

In 2008, the average detective or investigator earned $60,910, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS noted that half of all detectives earned between $45,930 and $81,490, though about 10 percent earned less than $36,500 and another 10 percent earned more than $97,870. The BLS also noted that detectives typically work large amounts of overtime, so many likely earned more than their base salaries.

Qualifications

At a minimum, according to the employment website Salary.com, detectives must be at least 20 years old, hold American citizenship and be able to pass a variety of tests. Some law enforcement agencies require detectives to possess at least a four-year college degree, though some agencies hire detectives without a college education at a somewhat lower salary.

Factors

In addition to holding a college degree, a number of other factors affect a detective’s annual salary. The BLS notes that salaries may vary depending on the detective’s employer; local, state and federal agencies may have differing pay grades. In addition, detectives in larger cities may carry a heavier workload and command higher pay than their counterparts in smaller municipalities. Experience also plays a considerable role in determining a detective’s salary, and the human resources website Pay Scale reported that, as of 2010, about 40 percent of all detectives had 10 to 19 years of police experience. In some cases, detectives with military experience may also receive higher salaries. Bilingual detectives may also earn higher pay, according to the BLS.

Benefits

Detectives, according to Salary.com, may have a high sense of accomplishment as they identify, track down and apprehend criminals. A detective may have a diverse workload, and work may differ considerably depending on whether the detective works for a local, state or federal entity. Many employers provide additional benefits like medical, dental and vision care, and some employers sponsor continuing education programs designed to keep detectives abreast of new investigative techniques.

Considerations

Although detectives may enjoy a number of benefits that accompany the position, prospective detectives must remember that police work is often dangerous. The BLS notes that detective work is often stressful, and Salary.com observes that detective candidates typically must undergo a battery of physical and psychiatric testing.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Police and Detectives