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Job outlook for detective sergeants in the United States
Detective sergeant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected detective sergeant job growth rate is 3% from 2018-2028.
About 20,600 new jobs for detective sergeants are projected over the next decade.
Detective sergeant salaries have increased 10% for detective sergeants in the last 5 years.
There are over 10,460 detective sergeants currently employed in the United States.
There are 938 active detective sergeant job openings in the US.
The average detective sergeant salary is $52,546.
Are detective sergeant jobs in demand?
Detective sergeant job and salary trends over time
Detective sergeant jobs over time
Detective sergeant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10,460 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 10,275 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 10,287 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 9,964 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 9,842 | 0.00% |
Average detective sergeant salary over time
Detective sergeant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $52,546 | $25.26 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $51,484 | $24.75 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $50,319 | $24.19 | +1.3% |
| 2022 | $49,686 | $23.89 | +3.6% |
| 2021 | $47,951 | $23.05 | +3.3% |
Detective sergeant jobs by state
Most common states for detective sergeants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 30 | 1% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 7 | 1% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 5 | 1% |
| 4 | California | 39,536,653 | 64 | 0% |
| 5 | New York | 19,849,399 | 54 | 0% |
| 6 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 45 | 0% |
| 7 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 29 | 0% |
| 8 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 29 | 0% |
| 9 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 21 | 0% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 19 | 0% |
| 11 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 9 | 0% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 8 | 0% |
| 13 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 6 | 0% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 6 | 0% |
| 15 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 2 | 0% |
| 16 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 2 | 0% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 2 | 0% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 2 | 0% |
| 19 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1 | 0% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 0 | 0% |
Detective Sergeant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of detective sergeant experts
Pennsylvania State University - Beaver
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Detective Sergeants?
Jodi Gill: In criminal justice, our "business" is people and can think critically and quickly in responding to them. In addition to required courses in the major, I always suggest students take classes in Psychology (at a minimum, an introductory period). Our society is also more diverse and global, so any levels which increase knowledge and understanding of other cultures are helpful. Foreign language skills are beneficial in the field, as well.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Detective Sergeants to find work opportunities?
Jodi Gill: Our field is not dependent on geography, and there are needs everywhere! Right now, it is an exciting time as governments are exploring additional ways to address issues beyond law enforcement. For example, restorative justice, mediation, and other community-related programs can proactively prevent crime before it happens. A degree in criminal justice can prepare graduates to contribute to these initiatives in significant ways successfully.
What's a day at work look like for a Detective Sergeant?
Jodi Gill: There is no "typical day" in this field, which is why I enjoy it so much! At any point in time, criminal justice professionals are required to pivot and adapt. Coursework in criminal justice prepares individuals for changing times and circumstances, and our graduates are ready to meet those challenges!