As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Federal Investigator in the United States is $75,889 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Federal Investigator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Federal Investigator'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 Federal Investigators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.21% |
| Equipment Operation | 3.69% |
| Public Works | 2.37% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Waste Management
|
$79,683 |
5%
|
|
Time Management
|
$79,683 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$78,166 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$78,166 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$77,407 |
2%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$77,407 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Federal Investigators enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Federal Investigator with a No Diploma is between $69,226 and $76,768).
Federal Investigator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.8% |
| High School | 81.7% |
| Associates | 8.4% |
| Bachelors | 4.6% |
| Masters | 1.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.4% |
Understanding how a Federal Investigator'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Federal Investigator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,268 in 2023 to around $65,087 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Federal Investigator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $65,268 |
| 2024 | $65,672 |
| 2025 | $65,087 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Federal Investigator and their salaries, click below for more details.
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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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