As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Detective Sergeant in the United States is $82,080 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Detective Sergeant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Detective Sergeant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Detective Sergeants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 12.82% |
| Spring | 1.97% |
| Safety Standards | 1.43% |
For Detective Sergeant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 0% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, Detective Sergeant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Detective Sergeant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $86,184 | $41.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Detective Sergeants enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Detective Sergeant with a Bachelor's Degree is between $80,978 and $89,369).
Detective Sergeant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 40.0% |
| High School | 40.0% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 60.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Detective Sergeant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Detective Sergeant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,381 in 2023 to around $53,492 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Detective Sergeant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $55,381 |
| 2024 | $54,673 |
| 2025 | $53,492 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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