Detective FAQ

Usually by working as a police officer for several years and passing a promotion process.

Not always for police, but federal agents usually do.

Often not; major cases mean long hours.

The median annual wage for detectives was $93,790 ($45.09 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $55,390 and the highest 10% earned more than $160,540.

Most people need about 3–5 years as a police officer of training. Police detectives typically start as patrol officers with a high school diploma or college credits and complete a police academy. Many agencies prefer college degrees, and federal agents usually need a bachelor’s degree.

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +0.2% from 2025–35 (little or no change), with about 7,800 openings each year. Upsides include challenging, meaningful work; a common challenge is that long, irregular hours.

Key technical skills include investigative interviewing, evidence collection, report and warrant writing, and digital evidence basics. Employers also value persistence, critical thinking, and communication.

Common credentials include State peace officer certification, Investigative interviewing training, Crime scene and evidence training, and Specialized investigator training. Police detectives must be sworn peace officers certified by their state. Federal agents are hired through federal agency selection processes.