How Much Does a Criminal Detective Make?
Criminal detectives, also known as homicide detectives or homicide investigators, play a crucial role in the criminal justice system. They are responsible for investigating crimes, gathering evidence, and solving cases. But how much do they make? In this article, we will delve into the salaries of criminal detectives and provide you with a comprehensive answer to the question: How much does a criminal detective make?
Salary Range
The salary range for criminal detectives varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and level of education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for detectives and criminal investigators in the United States was $76,280 in May 2020.
State-by-State Salaries
Here is a breakdown of the average annual salaries for criminal detectives in each state:
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $64,610 |
| Alaska | $73,590 |
| Arizona | $67,340 |
| Arkansas | $62,140 |
| California | $85,490 |
| Colorado | $74,230 |
| Connecticut | $81,490 |
| Delaware | $70,140 |
| Florida | $66,490 |
| Georgia | $68,410 |
| Hawaii | $73,490 |
| Idaho | $62,340 |
| Illinois | $73,690 |
| Indiana | $63,490 |
| Iowa | $65,330 |
| Kansas | $64,490 |
| Kentucky | $61,140 |
| Louisiana | $65,140 |
| Maine | $66,490 |
| Maryland | $76,310 |
| Massachusetts | $81,490 |
| Michigan | $67,340 |
| Minnesota | $72,690 |
| Mississippi | $60,140 |
| Missouri | $64,690 |
| Montana | $63,490 |
| Nebraska | $65,340 |
| Nevada | $70,140 |
| New Hampshire | $70,140 |
| New Jersey | $81,490 |
| New Mexico | $64,610 |
| New York | $84,490 |
| North Carolina | $68,410 |
| North Dakota | $64,490 |
| Ohio | $66,490 |
| Oklahoma | $61,140 |
| Oregon | $72,690 |
| Pennsylvania | $68,410 |
| Rhode Island | $71,490 |
| South Carolina | $65,330 |
| South Dakota | $63,490 |
| Tennessee | $62,140 |
| Texas | $68,410 |
| Utah | $65,330 |
| Vermont | $70,140 |
| Virginia | $76,310 |
| Washington | $74,230 |
| West Virginia | $61,140 |
| Wisconsin | $68,410 |
| Wyoming | $63,490 |
Factors Affecting Salary
Several factors can affect the salary of a criminal detective, including:
- Location: Salaries vary significantly depending on the location. Urban areas tend to have higher salaries than rural areas.
- Experience: The more experience a detective has, the higher their salary is likely to be.
- Level of education: Detectives with a bachelor’s degree or higher tend to earn higher salaries than those with only a high school diploma.
- Certifications: Having specialized certifications, such as forensic science or polygraph examination, can increase salary.
- Size and type of agency: Detectives working for larger agencies or those with specialized units, such as SWAT or undercover operations, may earn higher salaries.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for criminal detectives is promising. According to the BLS, employment of detectives and criminal investigators is projected to grow 5% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the salary range for criminal detectives varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and level of education. While the median annual salary is $76,280, salaries can range from $60,140 in Mississippi to $85,490 in California. By understanding the factors that affect salary and the job outlook, aspiring detectives can make informed decisions about their career path.
Additional Resources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook – Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- National Association of Police Organizations: Detective Salary Survey
- International Association of Chiefs of Police: 2020 Law Enforcement Salary Survey
