Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay in Kentucky
In Kentucky, the median pay for detectives and criminal investigators is $34.46 an hour ($71,670 a year). About 720 people work in this job there.
That is 24% lower than the U.S. median ($93,790). Kentucky ranks 43rd of 51 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for detectives and criminal investigators in Kentucky
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $24.83 | $51,640 |
| 25% of workers | $29.49 | $61,330 |
| Half of workers (median) | $34.46 | $71,670 |
| 75% of workers | $46.21 | $96,120 |
| 90% of workers | $71.77 | $149,280 |
Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay in Kentucky metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette | $84,900 | 120 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $83,620 | 190 |
| Bowling Green | $79,360 | 40 |
Kentucky unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for detectives and criminal investigators
- Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
- Experience usually needed to start: Less than 5 years (BLS)
- Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +0.2% over ten years, little or no change · about 7,800 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Kentucky
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $60,490 |
| Compliance Officers | $69,240 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $80,390 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $59,610 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $62,780 |
| Bailiffs | $30,760 |
| Financial Specialists, All Other | $65,690 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $42,310 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.