Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in Maryland
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Maryland earn a median of $126,730 a year ($60.93 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,010 workers.
Pay ranges from $71,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $188,700 for the top 10%. That is 35% higher than the national median of $93,790. Maryland ranks 2nd of 51 states for detectives and criminal investigators pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.36 detectives and criminal investigators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.50). The average (mean) salary is $130,040, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for detectives and criminal investigators in Maryland
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $71,200 | $34.23 |
| 25th percentile | $93,230 | $44.82 |
| Median | $126,730 | $60.93 |
| 75th percentile | $166,230 | $79.92 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $188,700 | $90.72 |
| Average (mean) | $130,040 | $62.52 |
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 | $10,560.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,280.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,874.23 |
| Weekly | $2,437.12 |
| Hourly | $60.93 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $126,730 salary, see how much house you can afford in Maryland at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in cities in Maryland
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $156,750 | 4,830 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $128,440 | 490 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $98,700 | 50 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $97,580 | 2,160 |
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.
Related jobs in Maryland
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $77,970 | $37.49 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $64,250 | $30.89 |
| Bailiff | $59,470 | $28.59 |
| Parking Enforcement Worker | $46,060 | $22.15 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | $89,300 | $42.94 |
| Transit and Railroad Police | $99,420 | $47.80 |
| Security Guard | $38,220 | $18.37 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $120,700 | $58.03 |
| Firefighter | $73,810 | $35.49 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $34,520 | $16.60 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $35,850 | $17.24 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $120,530 | $57.95 |
| School Bus Monitor | $38,750 | $18.63 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $79,150 | $38.05 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in Maryland
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 Maryland?
The median salary for detectives and criminal investigators in Maryland is $126,730 a year, or $60.93 an hour. Pay ranges from $71,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $188,700 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid detectives and criminal investigators make in Maryland?
The top 10% of detectives and criminal investigators in Maryland earn at least $188,700 a year. The top 25% earn $166,230 or more.
What is the starting pay for detectives and criminal investigators in Maryland?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $71,200 a year, and a quarter of detectives and criminal investigators earn $93,230 or less.
How many detectives and criminal investigators work in Maryland?
About 1,010 detectives and criminal investigators are employed in Maryland, not counting the self-employed.