How Much Do Criminal Investigators Make?
Criminal investigators are law enforcement professionals responsible for gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and analyzing crime scenes to solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. These skilled professionals work behind the scenes to ensure public safety and justice are maintained. But how much do criminal investigators make?
National Average Salary
The national average salary for criminal investigators varies depending on the agency, location, experience, and level of position. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for police detectives (who conduct investigative work) was $87,870 in May 2020.
Contents
**Salary by Agency
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The FBI is the primary investigative agency in the United States. FBI Special Agents’ starting salary range is $62,216 – $104,184 per year.
- Local Police Departments: Local police departments and municipal law enforcement agencies may have varying salary ranges for criminal investigators. For example, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has a salary range of $70,400 – $138,900 per year for Detectives.
- State Police: State police agencies, such as the California Highway Patrol, have salary ranges varying from $65,000 – $120,000 per year.
Experience and Level of Position
Experience and level of position significantly impact the salary of criminal investigators.
**Levels of Position
- Entry-level Detective: Typically, starting detectives earn around $55,000 – $75,000 per year.
- Sergeant/Supervising Detective: With more experience and promotion to Sergeant/Supervising Detective, salaries range from $75,000 – $110,000 per year.
- Lieutenant/Commander: Higher-ranking positions like Lieutenant/Commander have salary ranges of $110,000 – $150,000 per year.
- Criminal Investigator Manager/Director: Senior-level managers/directors can earn salaries up to $150,000 – $200,000 per year.
Education and Certification
Education and certification also impact the salary of criminal investigators.
**Education
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree: Many criminal investigators start their careers with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
- Master’s Degree: Those with a Master’s Degree in a relevant field, such as Criminal Justice, can potentially earn higher salaries, ranging from $85,000 – $130,000 per year.
- Advanced Degree (Law or Master’s): Those with an Advanced Degree, such as a Juris Doctor (Law Degree), can earn $130,000 – $170,000 per year.
**Certification and Specializations
- Certified Crime Scene Investigator (CCSI): Many agencies require or prefer investigators to hold certifications like CCSI, which can result in higher salaries.
- Forensic Science certifications: Those with specialized training in forensic science, like DNA analysis or fingerprint identification, can earn higher salaries.
Regional Variations
Regional variations in salaries for criminal investigators are notable. Cities with higher living costs, such as New York City or San Francisco, tend to have higher salaries for criminal investigators, while rural areas may offer lower salaries.
**Regional Salary Averages
| Region | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Northeast | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| South | $60,000 – $90,000 |
| West Coast | $70,000 – $110,000 |
| Midwest | $65,000 – $100,000 |
Keep in mind that these regional variations are general estimates and can fluctuate based on agency, experience, and education.
Conclusion
The salary of criminal investigators depends on factors such as agency, experience, level of position, education, certification, and region. From an entry-level starting point of around $55,000 – $75,000 per year to senior-level positions reaching up to $200,000 per year, the salary range is diverse and influenced by multiple variables.
