📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Detective and Criminal Investigator Salary in West Virginia (2026)

West Virginia · 22.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$69,638
per year
Median
$64,958
per year
Hourly
$33.48
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$44,210
25th Percentile — Junior$57,938
50th Percentile — Median$64,958
75th Percentile — Senior$88,826
90th Percentile — Top Earners$100,665
💡 Top-earning Detective and Criminal Investigators in West Virginia make up to $100,665 per year. The job market in West Virginia is rated low, with key industries including Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$61.5k
2021
$63.1k
2022
$64.7k
2023
$66.3k
2024
$67.9k
2025
$69.6k
2026
📈 Detective and Criminal Investigator salaries in West Virginia have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in West Virginia's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Detective and Criminal Investigator Salary by City in West Virginia
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $69,638 +0% Medium
🔍
Detective and Criminal Investigator Job Market in West Virginia
Key factors affecting compensation

West Virginia is home to a low job market for Detective and Criminal Investigators. The state's key industries — Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $69,638 per year, West Virginia's Detective and Criminal Investigator salaries are 22.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in West Virginia (index: 0.78) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in West Virginia can expect to earn $44,210–$57,938, while experienced Detective and Criminal Investigators can command $88,826–$100,665.

Looking ahead, the Detective and Criminal Investigator profession in West Virginia is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Energy 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Detective and Criminal Investigator salary in West Virginia is $69,638 per year in 2026, which is 22.0% below the national average of $89,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Detective and Criminal Investigators the highest wages in West Virginia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • West Virginia has a low job market with major industries in Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing. Opportunities exist in for Detective and Criminal Investigator employment.
  • At $69,638/year, West Virginia Detective and Criminal Investigator salaries are 22.0% lower than the national average of $89,280/year.