A newly graduated detective of Chile's Investigations Police (PDI) earns about CLP 1,317,538 gross per month, according to the payroll obtained through transparency requests with data to August 2025, cited by [Redimin](https://www.redimin.cl/cuanto-gana-un-detective-recien-egresado-en-la-pdi-revisa-los-sueldos-segun-el-grado-jerarquico/) and [Meganoticias](https://www.meganoticias.cl/dato-util/518153-pdi-postulaciones-2027-requisitos-sueldos-como-postular-27-03-2026.html). At the top, the director general earns more than CLP 6.7 million. A PDI officer's pay depends on rank, seniority and allowances that change with each posting.
Here is the table by rank, the difference between base salary and total pay, and what it costs to become a PDI detective.
How much a PDI officer earns by rank
The table below uses the payroll published by Meganoticias in December 2024, the most complete series by rank. The detective figure was updated with the August 2025 data (Redimin).
| PDI rank | Approximate gross monthly pay (CLP) |
|---|---|
| Detective (graduation rank) | 1,317,538 (Aug-2025); 1,339,648 in the 2024 payroll |
| Subinspector | 1,573,203 |
| Inspector | 2,088,702 |
| Subcomisario | 2,639,648 |
| Comisario | 3,676,643 |
| Subprefecto | 3,916,650 |
| Prefecto | 4,992,617 |
| Prefecto Inspector | 6,047,707 |
| Prefecto General | 6,307,486 |
| Director General | 6,725,841 |
These are gross amounts: health, pension and tax deductions apply. The PDI has its own pension system (Dipreca), separate from the AFPs, so deductions are not calculated as in a private-sector job.
Why a PDI officer's pay varies so much between sources
A second table in circulation shows much lower figures. 24 Horas published in April 2026 a scale with a "total pay" of CLP 917,216 for a detective, with a base salary of CLP 301,348 and a rank allowance of CLP 60,297. The gap with the transparency payroll is probably because that scale does not include all the allowances officers actually receive (for example, those tied to police work, location or seniority). No official source reconciles both figures.
| Rank | Base salary | Rank allowance | Total pay (scale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detective | 301,348 | 60,297 | 917,216 |
| Subinspector | 345,231 | 110,509 | 1,039,412 |
| Inspector | 390,988 | 152,535 | 1,357,042 |
| Subcomisario | 459,672 | 358,647 | 1,705,249 |
| Comisario | 490,758 | 417,249 | 2,446,307 |
| Prefecto | 624,619 | 699,716 | 3,330,021 |
| Director General | 751,090 | 1,141,932 | 4,298,536 |
Source: 24 Horas, which attributes the table to the public-sector pay scale without giving the month. For a specific person, the reference is the PDI's monthly payroll on the Transparency Portal, which lists each officer's gross and net pay.
How promotion works in the PDI
A PDI officer's career starts at the rank of detective after graduating from the Police Investigations School and advances through promotions that require years of service, evaluations and a clean record. The top ranks (Prefecto Inspector and Prefecto General) are scarce and depend on ratings and decisions of the high command. Pay grows about 60% on reaching inspector and exceeds CLP 3.6 million at comisario, according to the payroll table.
How much it costs to train as a PDI detective
The Police Investigations School charges enrollment and tuition and is not part of Chile's free-tuition program or the CAE loan, although some Ministry of Education aid exists, according to 24 Horas.
| Item (2027 admission) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | CLP 35,000 (paid via Webpay) |
| Enrollment | 55 UF |
| Annual tuition | 70 UF, in 10 installments |
| Mandatory insurance | Amount not reported |
Requirements for the 2027 admission were Chilean nationality, age 17 to 21, having completed or currently completing high school, minimum height of 1.75 m for men and 1.60 m for women, good health, no criminal record and having taken the PAES in the last two years. Applications closed on May 3, 2026. Details are published on the Police Investigations School website.
How much a PDI officer earns compared with others
A detective's starting pay (about CLP 1.3 million gross) is more than double the minimum wage in Chile and similar to that of other civil servants early in their careers. To compare, see how much a Carabineros officer earns and how much a public-sector nurse earns.
| PDI rank | Approximate gross pay (CLP) | Times a detective's pay |
|---|---|---|
| Detective | 1,317,538 | 1.0 |
| Inspector | 2,088,702 | 1.6 |
| Comisario | 3,676,643 | 2.8 |
| Prefecto | 4,992,617 | 3.8 |
| Director General | 6,725,841 | 5.1 |
Our calculation with the cited payroll. Most of the increase comes at senior officer ranks: between inspector and comisario, pay grows about 76%.
What a PDI detective does
The PDI is Chile's civilian police. Unlike Carabineros, which focuses mainly on prevention and public order, the PDI concentrates on investigating crimes on the orders of prosecutors and courts. Its main functions are:
- Criminal investigation: homicides, organized crime, drug trafficking, economic crimes and cybercrime, through specialized brigades.
- Migration control: it checks people entering and leaving the country at border crossings and airports.
- International cooperation: it is Interpol's office in Chile.
- Forensics: its Criminalistics Laboratory performs scientific analysis for court cases.
Many detectives specialize through courses and postgraduate studies during their careers, which can influence their postings and some allowances.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a newly graduated PDI detective earn?
A detective, the rank on graduation, earns about CLP 1,317,538 gross per month according to the transparency payroll with data to August 2025.
How much does a PDI comisario earn?
About CLP 3,676,643 gross per month, according to the payroll published by Meganoticias.
What is the highest salary in the PDI?
The director general's, at about CLP 6,725,841 gross per month according to the same payroll.
Why do some tables show CLP 917,216 for a detective?
Because some tables show only the base scale and not all the allowances actually paid. For a specific case, check the PDI transparency payroll.
Is the PDI school free?
No. The Police Investigations School is not part of free tuition or the CAE; it charges 55 UF for enrollment and 70 UF in annual tuition.
