📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$79,082
per year
Median
$74,102
per year
Hourly
$38.02
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$50,406
25th Percentile — Junior$65,180
50th Percentile — Median$74,102
75th Percentile — Senior$98,421
90th Percentile — Top Earners$110,935
💡 Top-earning Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss in Kentucky make up to $110,935 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$69.9k
2021
$71.6k
2022
$73.4k
2023
$75.3k
2024
$77.2k
2025
$79.1k
2026
📈 Detectives and Criminal Investigators salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $66,429 -16.0% Medium
Lexington $66,429 -16.0% Medium
🔍
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $79,082 per year, Kentucky's Detectives and Criminal Investigators salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $50,406–$65,180, while experienced Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss can command $98,421–$110,935.

Looking ahead, the Detectives and Criminal Investigators profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing 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 Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in Kentucky is $79,082 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $95,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Detectives and Criminal Investigators employment.
  • At $79,082/year, Kentucky Detectives and Criminal Investigators salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $95,280/year.