2024 wage data not published for detectives and criminal investigators in District of Columbia
The Bureau of Labor Statistics suppresses wage estimates when the surveyed cell has too few employers to publish a figure without revealing individual firm pay. The privacy redaction happens upstream, before the data reaches us.
Use national figures and adjacent states below as a reference, or check BLS confidentiality rules for context.
Salary distribution
Where District of Columbia detectives and criminal investigators fall on the wage curve.
Distribution not available
The Bureau of Labor Statistics suppresses wage percentiles for this occupation and state when the surveyed cell has too few employers to publish without revealing individual firm pay. National figures and adjacent states below remain a useful reference.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay by experience level in District of Columbia
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.4 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.4 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
- 02
Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
- 03
Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
- 04
Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
- 05
Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
- 06
Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
- 07
Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
- 08
Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
-0.7%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Slower than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Metro-level salary data for detectives and criminal investigators in major District of Columbia metropolitan areas.
- Washington, D.C.$153,340
Compare Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- Is Detectives and Criminal Investigators a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment declining by -0.7% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.