A detective usually starts off as a police officer. Although a high school diploma (or equivalent) is the minimum qualification for some police officer positions, many agencies prefer candidates with a college degree in a relevant field, such as criminal justice or law enforcement. To be eligible to be trained as a police officer, you must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen. Police recruits must complete training academy programs and pass written and physical tests before beginning to serve as officers. Such programs include a mixture of physical training and classroom study in areas such as firearm training, self-defense, traffic control, and first aid. Once you have several years of experience as an officer, seek promotion to a detective position.

If you are interested in a job related to Detective, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Detective Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Detective positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Entry Level Private Security
Salary range: $32,000 - $39,000
Entry Level Private Security is a common job search query. Most salaries for Entry Level Private Security jobs pay between $32,000 (25th percentile) and $39,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Private Security job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Sex Crimes Detective
Salary range: $50,500 - $71,500
Sex Crimes Detective is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Sex Crimes Detective jobs pay between $50,500 (25th percentile) and $71,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Sex Crimes Detective job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Work From Home Private Security Guard
Salary range: $32,000 - $39,000
Work From Home Private Security Guard is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Work From Home Private Security Guard jobs pay between $32,000 (25th percentile) and $39,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Work From Home Private Security Guard job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Homeland Security Investigations
Salary range: $48,000 - $86,000
Jobs within Homeland Security Investigations include analysts, auditors, special agents, and supporting staff within multiple divisions. Domestic Operations oversees activities of the domestic field offices, while International Operations maintains relationships with foreign law departments. In Mission Support, you handle financial and information technology aspects. The Office of Intelligence gathers data through intelligence operations. Investigative Programs work with local law enforcement to ensure officers receive proper training. National Security Investigations works to prevent terrorist-related incidents. The Operational Technology and Cyber Division handle technical and business-related duties.
Misdemeanor Theft Friendly
Salary range: $36,000 - $44,000
Misdemeanor Theft Friendly is a typical job search query Most salaries for Misdemeanor Theft Friendly jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $44,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Misdemeanor Theft Friendly job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Retail Crime Investigator
Salary range: $53,000 - $116,500
Retail Crime Investigator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Retail Crime Investigator jobs pay between $53,000 (25th percentile) and $116,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Retail Crime Investigator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Store Detective
Salary range: $30,000 - $38,000
Store Detective is a typical job search query Most salaries for Store Detective jobs pay between $30,000 (25th percentile) and $38,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Store Detective job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
American Security Guard
Salary range: $32,000 - $39,000
American Security Guard is a common job search query. Most salaries for American Security Guard jobs pay between $32,000 (25th percentile) and $39,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for American Security Guard job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Overnight Remote Security Guard
Salary range: $32,000 - $39,000
Overnight Remote Security Guard is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Overnight Remote Security Guard jobs pay between $32,000 (25th percentile) and $39,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Overnight Remote Security Guard job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Embassy Guard
Salary range: $30,000 - $38,500
Embassy Guard is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Embassy Guard jobs pay between $30,000 (25th percentile) and $38,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Embassy Guard job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Detective Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Detective Jobs in 2026