Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a detectives and criminal investigators in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $153,340/year ($73.72/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $88K at the entry level to $192K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $140,834 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $2,246/month, or 24.8% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $153K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About detectives and criminal investigators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level detectives and criminal investigators (10th percentile) start around $88K. Mid-career wages sit at $153K.Top earners bring in $192K or more - a $104K spread from bottom to top.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $126K | +34% | 960 |
| California | $122K | +31% | 11,900 |
| Alaska | $121K | +29% | 130 |
| Washington | $116K | +24% | 1,680 |
| New Jersey | $114K | +22% | 3,000 |
| Hawaii | $112K | +20% | 440 |
| Massachusetts | $111K | +19% | 1,170 |
| Virginia | $110K | +18% | 3,170 |
| Oregon | $107K | +15% | 470 |
| Vermont | $104K | +11% | 210 |
| New York | $103K | +10% | 9,410 |
| Arizona | $103K | +10% | 5,220 |
| Nebraska | $99K | +6% | 280 |
| Pennsylvania | $99K | +6% | 3,390 |
| Montana | $96K | +2% | 470 |
Track detectives and criminal investigators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do detectives and criminal investigators make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $153,340 a year - that works out to about $73.72 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $88,340, and experienced detectives and criminal investigators can clear $191,880. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $153K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,781/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 25.6% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a detectives and criminal investigators salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median detectives and criminal investigators salary is worth about $140,834 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do detectives and criminal investigators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.