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Entry Level Detective Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Detective information

See Washington salary details

$32.8K

$70.1K

$111.6K

How much do entry level detective jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level detective in Washington is $70,113.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level detective?

Entry level detectives are law enforcement professionals who have recently been promoted from patrol officer roles or have just started their careers in investigative positions. They are responsible for assisting in the investigation of crimes, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and helping to solve cases under the supervision of more experienced detectives. Entry level detectives often receive on-the-job training and may work on less complex cases while gaining experience. Their duties can vary depending on the agency, but their primary goal is to support the investigative process and learn the skills needed to advance in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level detective?

To thrive as an Entry Level Detective, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice or law enforcement, often supported by a relevant degree or police academy training. Familiarity with investigative software, evidence management systems, and forensic tools is typically required. Critical thinking, effective communication, and persistence are standout soft skills in this position. These competencies are crucial for gathering evidence, solving cases efficiently, and collaborating with colleagues and the community.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level detectives during their first year on the job?

Entry-level detectives often encounter challenges such as adjusting to a heavier caseload, developing effective investigative techniques, and learning how to balance administrative duties with fieldwork. Building trust with colleagues and learning to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies can also take time. Additionally, new detectives may need to quickly adapt to unpredictable hours and the emotional impact of handling sensitive cases, but strong mentorship and ongoing training typically help ease this transition.

What is the difference between Entry Level Detective vs Police Officer?

AspectEntry Level DetectivePolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some agencies prefer college coursework; police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED; police academy training
Work EnvironmentInvestigative settings, offices, crime scenesPatrol, crime scenes, community interactions
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, detective divisionsPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Detectives typically focus on investigations and require police academy training similar to Police Officers. However, detectives often work in investigative roles within law enforcement agencies, whereas police officers handle patrol and community policing. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in daily duties and work environments.

Can you just go straight into being an entry level detective?

Becoming an entry-level detective typically requires prior law enforcement experience, such as working as a police officer, and completing specialized training or investigations courses. Most agencies do not hire detectives directly without experience, and candidates often need to meet age, background, and education requirements before advancing to detective roles.

How to start getting into entry level detective work?

Entry level detective work typically requires a background in law enforcement or criminal justice, often starting with a position as a police officer or investigator. Developing skills in observation, interviewing, and report writing, along with obtaining relevant certifications or training, can help you transition into detective roles. Gaining experience in investigative procedures and understanding legal protocols is essential for advancement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Detective jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Detective jobs in Washington are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Detective jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Detective jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Detective jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Detective job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Detective job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,113 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

$65K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Mobile Dredging & Video Pipe
About Us:
Mobile Dredging & Video Pipe, headquartered in Chester, Pennsylvania, offers a full line of hydraulic dredging and dewatering, sewer system repair and maintenance, water line inspection and leak detection, and industrial cleaning services. As part of the Carylon Corporation, a nationwide collection of 14 best-in-class companies, we have vast resources, expertise, and decades of experience to get the toughest jobs done right.
Job Details:
Position:Entry Level Civil/Mechanical/Industrial Engineers
Location:Beltsville, MD
Pay:$65,000 - $90,000/Year
Benefits:Health, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, ESOP
Job Duties and Outline of Engineer Trainee Program:
The MDVP Entry-Level Engineer Trainee Program will commence in the Massachusetts office. The duration of rotations across business segments (Project Engineering, Field Engineering, Estimating/Proposals, and Manufacturing) will vary depending on trainee skill strengths, demonstrated proficiency, areas of interest, and corporate needs. Rotations may last 6-24 months. This is not a remote position and requires on-site presence.
Areas of focus / Job duties / Responsibilities include:
  • Consistently communicate clearly with all employees to ensure a safe working environment, with Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance as the #1 priority.
  • Project Engineering:Manage active construction projects. Duties include creating project schedules/timelines, scheduling crews and equipment, collaborating with superintendents and engineers on resource coordination, writing subcontracts, coordinating subcontractor activities, ordering materials, assembling product submittals (material data sheets, equipment data sheets, and work processes), writing correspondence, tracking quantities, and creating monthly estimates.
  • Estimating and Proposals:Attend pre-bid meetings, conduct site visits, collaborate with superintendents, break down projects by work steps, create timelines, reach out to subcontractors for pricing, build vendor relationships, assign cost components, gather material pricing, input data into spreadsheets for cost estimates, and participate in bid review meetings.
  • Field Engineering:May include temporary site assignments to supervise and track larger-scale construction projects.
  • Product Manufacturing:Candidates may rotate through our CIPP Wet-Out process (a product used in pipe rehabilitation) to further professional development. Responsibilities include assisting with management and supervision of all aspects of the wet-out manufacturing process, including blending resin mixtures, saturating resin into prefabricated fabric tube matrices, loading finished products into refrigerated containers, and coordinating shipping. Additional duties include:
  • Assisting with logistics for production and delivery
  • Supporting QA/QC processes in product output
  • Assisting with staff planning and scheduling
  • Ensuring automated blending equipment operates at proper ratios
  • Overseeing the saturation process via conveyor system and calibrated rollers
  • Ordering, handling, and mixing all chemicals used in production
  • Communicating with customers (primarily contractors)
  • Organizing liner orders, packing in proper sequence, and coordinating timely shipping
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Requirements:
  • B.S. in Civil, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering
  • Ability to pass a physical, drug test, and background check
  • Valid driver's license
AA/EEO Statement
The Company provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability and any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws. Carylon considers qualified applicants with a criminal history. Disclosure of criminal history is not required until a conditional offer has been made, and the background check process has begun. At that point, applicants with a criminal history will be given the chance to explain the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
Employment Type: Full-Time