Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in West Kentucky

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $60,630 -35.2% vs national
Median hourly $29.15
10th percentile $49,040
90th percentile $71,770
Employed locally 40
National median $93,580

Compare Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary & buying power

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Detectives and Criminal Investigators
in
West Kentucky
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $49,040
    25th
    $54,380
    50th (median)
    $60,630
    75th
    $64,590
    90th
    $71,770

    Top-paying metros for Detectives and Criminal Investigators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV $157,270
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $156,890
    Brunswick-St. Simons, GA $155,110
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $153,340
    Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA $143,250
    Salinas, CA $129,880

    Related occupations in West Kentucky

    OccupationMedian salary
    Correctional Officers and Jailers$39,120
    Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$52,020
    Security Guards$34,330
    Firefighters$34,280
    First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$52,470
    First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$56,530

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make per hour in West Kentucky?

    The median hourly wage for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in West Kentucky is $29.15, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $34.51 or more per hour.

    Is West Kentucky above or below average for Detectives and Criminal Investigators salaries?

    The median Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in West Kentucky is 35.2% below the national median of $93,580. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in West Kentucky?

    Entry-level Detectives and Criminal Investigators (10th percentile) earn around $49,040 per year in West Kentucky. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $54,380.