As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forensic Detective in the United States is $67,506 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Forensic Detective's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Forensic Detective'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Forensic Detective's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Forensic Detective | $66,427 |
| Intermediate Level Forensic Detective | $66,736 |
| Senior Level Forensic Detective | $67,969 |
| Specialist Level Forensic Detective | $71,499 |
| Expert Level Forensic Detective | $74,440 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Forensic Detectives. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 12.5% |
| Academic Advising | 2.08% |
| Computer Science | 2.08% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Patient Care
|
$94,509 |
40%
|
|
Health Sciences
|
$87,083 |
29%
|
|
Initiative
|
$81,683 |
21%
|
|
Coaching
|
$78,307 |
16%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$72,907 |
8%
|
|
Empathy
|
$71,557 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Forensic Detectives 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 Forensic Detective with a Bachelor's Degree is between $64,565 and $73,689).
Forensic Detective Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.7% |
| High School | 22.2% |
| Associates | 74.1% |
| Bachelors | 3.7% |
| Masters | 22.2% |
| Doctorate | 74.1% |
Understanding how a Forensic Detective'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 Forensic Detective can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,101 in 2023 to around $53,222 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Forensic Detective salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $55,101 |
| 2024 | $54,397 |
| 2025 | $53,222 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Forensic Detective 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.
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