As of May 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Police Detective in the US is $34,406, equivalent to $17 per hour, $662 weekly, or $2,867 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Police Detective in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.
Annually Salaries for Police Detective in the US vary widely, spanning from $31,890 to $39,460. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($33,089) and 75th percentile ($37,051), while top earners (90th percentile) make $39,460 per year. This $3,962 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Communication Skills or Asset Management, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Police Detective often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 75 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like Media to offset market challenges.
