Detective and Criminal Investigator Salary in District of Columbia (2026)
District of Columbia · 52.0% above national average · Medium Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $206,273 | +52.0% | Medium |
District of Columbia is home to a very strong job market for Detective and Criminal Investigators. The state's key industries — Government, Finance, Technology — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $135,706 per year, District of Columbia's Detective and Criminal Investigator salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in District of Columbia (index: 1.52) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in District of Columbia can expect to earn $86,154–$112,906, while experienced Detective and Criminal Investigators can command $173,098–$196,168.
Looking ahead, the Detective and Criminal Investigator profession in District of Columbia is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
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What is the average Detective and Criminal Investigator salary in District of Columbia?The average Detective and Criminal Investigator salary in District of Columbia is $135,706 per year in 2026, which is 52.0% above the national average of $89,280.
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What city in District of Columbia pays Detective and Criminal Investigators the most?Major metro areas typically pay Detective and Criminal Investigators the highest wages in District of Columbia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
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Is District of Columbia a good state for Detective and Criminal Investigators?District of Columbia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Finance, Technology. This makes it one of the better states for Detective and Criminal Investigator employment.
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How does District of Columbia Detective and Criminal Investigator salary compare to the US average?At $135,706/year, District of Columbia Detective and Criminal Investigator salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average of $89,280/year.