Criminal investigators tend to earn the highest salaries in the District of Columbia, where the average annual salary is approximately $95,945, with an hourly wage of about $46.13. This higher compensation is often due to the cost of living, the concentration of federal agencies, and the demand for law enforcement professionals in the nation's capital. Following closely are states like New York and Massachusetts, with average annual salaries of around $92,889 and $92,727, respectively, and hourly wages near $44.66 and $44.58. Alaska also offers competitive pay, with an average annual salary of approximately $91,438. Overall, salaries for criminal investigators vary depending on location, experience, and the employing agency, but the District of Columbia generally provides the highest compensation among U.S. states and territories.