📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Detective and Criminal Investigator Salary in Washington (2026)

Washington · 25.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$111,600
per year
Median
$104,100
per year
Hourly
$53.65
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$70,850
25th Percentile — Junior$92,850
50th Percentile — Median$104,100
75th Percentile — Senior$142,350
90th Percentile — Top Earners$161,322
💡 Top-earning Detective and Criminal Investigators in Washington make up to $161,322 per year. The job market in Washington is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$98.6k
2021
$101.1k
2022
$103.6k
2023
$106.2k
2024
$108.9k
2025
$111.6k
2026
📈 Detective and Criminal Investigator salaries in Washington have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in Washington's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Detective and Criminal Investigator Salary by City in Washington
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Seattle $154,008 +38.0% Medium
Spokane $111,600 +0.0% Medium
Tacoma $133,920 +20.0% Medium
🔍
Detective and Criminal Investigator Job Market in Washington
Key factors affecting compensation

Washington is home to a very strong job market for Detective and Criminal Investigators. The state's key industries — Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $111,600 per year, Washington's Detective and Criminal Investigator salaries are 25.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Washington (index: 1.25) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Washington can expect to earn $70,850–$92,850, while experienced Detective and Criminal Investigators can command $142,350–$161,322.

Looking ahead, the Detective and Criminal Investigator profession in Washington is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Detective and Criminal Investigator salary in Washington is $111,600 per year in 2026, which is 25.0% above the national average of $89,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Detective and Criminal Investigators the highest wages in Washington due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Washington has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Detective and Criminal Investigator employment.
  • At $111,600/year, Washington Detective and Criminal Investigator salaries are 25.0% higher than the national average of $89,280/year.