Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in Ohio
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Ohio earn a median of $79,300 a year ($38.13 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,140 workers.
Pay ranges from $56,840 for the lowest-paid 10% to $151,200 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $93,790. Ohio ranks 35th of 51 states for detectives and criminal investigators pay. There are 0.39 detectives and criminal investigators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.52). The average (mean) salary is $90,600, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for detectives and criminal investigators in Ohio
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $56,840 | $27.33 |
| 25th percentile | $64,480 | $31.00 |
| Median | $79,300 | $38.13 |
| 75th percentile | $105,690 | $50.81 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $151,200 | $72.69 |
| Average (mean) | $90,600 | $43.56 |
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 | $6,608.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,304.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,050 |
| Weekly | $1,525 |
| Hourly | $38.13 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $79,300 salary, see how much house you can afford in Ohio at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in cities in Ohio
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sandusky, OH | $109,300 | 60 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $92,110 | 330 |
| Cleveland, OH | $89,300 | 440 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $83,620 | 150 |
| Columbus, OH | $79,000 | 540 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $77,410 | 70 |
| Akron, OH | $76,230 | 110 |
| Toledo, OH | $75,610 | 150 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $56,710 | 30 |
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 Ohio
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $77,020 | $37.03 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $59,370 | $28.55 |
| Bailiff | $51,060 | $24.55 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | $75,880 | $36.48 |
| Parking Enforcement Worker | $48,510 | $23.32 |
| Security Guard | $35,770 | $17.20 |
| Firefighter | $59,370 | $28.54 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $27,770 | $13.35 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $98,380 | $47.30 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $84,490 | $40.62 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $37,440 | $18.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $53,020 | $25.49 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | $47,200 | $22.69 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $44,890 | $21.58 |
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 Ohio?
The median salary for detectives and criminal investigators in Ohio is $79,300 a year, or $38.13 an hour. Pay ranges from $56,840 for the lowest-paid 10% to $151,200 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid detectives and criminal investigators make in Ohio?
The top 10% of detectives and criminal investigators in Ohio earn at least $151,200 a year. The top 25% earn $105,690 or more.
What is the starting pay for detectives and criminal investigators in Ohio?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $56,840 a year, and a quarter of detectives and criminal investigators earn $64,480 or less.
How many detectives and criminal investigators work in Ohio?
About 2,140 detectives and criminal investigators are employed in Ohio, not counting the self-employed.