Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in Helena, MT
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the Helena, MT metro area earn a median of $73,950 a year ($35.55 an hour), based on BLS data for 70 workers.
Pay ranges from $58,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $149,280 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $93,790. Pay here is 20% lower than the Montana statewide median of $92,410. There are 1.5 detectives and criminal investigators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.0× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $87,380, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for detectives and criminal investigators in Helena, MT
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $58,670 | $28.21 |
| 25th percentile | $58,670 | $28.21 |
| Median | $73,950 | $35.55 |
| 75th percentile | $109,300 | $52.55 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $149,280 | $71.77 |
| Average (mean) | $87,380 | $42.01 |
Half of detectives and criminal investigators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,162.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,081.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,844.23 |
| Weekly | $1,422.12 |
| Hourly | $35.55 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $73,950 salary, see how much house you can afford in Montana at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT | $136,120 | 40 |
| Missoula, MT | $99,560 | 40 |
| Billings, MT | $72,880 | 70 |
Highest-paying states for detectives and criminal investigators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $160,760 |
| Maryland | $126,730 |
| California | $124,840 |
| Delaware | $122,050 |
| New Jersey | $116,300 |
| Washington | $115,790 |
| Alaska | $114,940 |
| Hawaii | $113,940 |
| Virginia | $112,760 |
| Massachusetts | $110,150 |
See Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay in every state or the Montana statewide figures.
Related jobs in Helena, MT
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $75,430 | $36.27 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $52,140 | $25.07 |
| Security Guard | $37,920 | $18.23 |
| Firefighter | $54,260 | $26.09 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $97,850 | $47.04 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in Helena, MT
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 33-3021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a detectives and criminal investigators make in Helena, MT?
The median salary for detectives and criminal investigators in the Helena, MT metro area is $73,950 a year, or $35.55 an hour. Pay ranges from $58,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $149,280 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid detectives and criminal investigators make in Helena, MT?
The top 10% of detectives and criminal investigators in the Helena, MT metro area earn at least $149,280 a year. The top 25% earn $109,300 or more.
What is the starting pay for detectives and criminal investigators in Helena, MT?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $58,670 a year, and a quarter of detectives and criminal investigators earn $58,670 or less.
How many detectives and criminal investigators work in Helena, MT?
About 70 detectives and criminal investigators are employed in the Helena, MT metro area, not counting the self-employed.