How Much Does a Homicide Investigator Make?
Homicide investigators are a type of detective who specializes in solving cases involving murder or homicide. They are employed by law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. The salary range for homicide investigators varies based on factors such as level of experience, education, and location.
Overall Salary Range
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for police detectives, including homicide investigators, was $62,110 as of May 2020. The BLS also reports that the top 10% of police detectives earn more than $91,400 per year, while the bottom 10% earn less than $38,890.
State by State Salaries
Salary for homicide investigators also vary depending on the state in which they are employed. The following table shows the median annual salaries for police detectives in select states:
| State | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $93,390 |
| New York | $84,940 |
| Texas | $63,820 |
| Florida | $61,810 |
| Georgia | $59,220 |
| North Carolina | $56,760 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,570 |
| Ohio | $54,510 |
| Michigan | $53,520 |
| New Jersey | $51,770 |
Education and Experience
Level of education and experience are key factors in determining an individual’s salary as a homicide investigator. Those with higher levels of education, more experience, and additional training typically earn higher salaries.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree: $54,000 – $75,000 per year
- Master’s degree or advanced degree: $80,000 – $110,000 per year
Experience:
- 2-5 years: $60,000 – $75,000 per year
- 5-10 years: $80,000 – $95,000 per year
- 10-20 years: $95,000 – $110,000 per year
Training and Certifications:
In addition to their standard law enforcement training and certification, homicide investigators typically require specialized training in homicide investigation and forensic analysis.
- Basic law enforcement certification: $50,000 – $65,000 per year
- Basic detective training: $65,000 – $80,000 per year
- Homicide investigation specialization: $80,000 – $110,000 per year
Top Agencies
The following are some of the top agencies employing homicide investigators, along with their average salaries:
- FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation): $113,000 per year
- ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives): $90,000 per year
- NYPD (New York City Police Department): $86,000 per year
- LA Police Department (Los Angeles Police Department): $80,000 per year
- Dallas PD (Dallas Police Department): $75,000 per year
In conclusion, the salary of a homicide investigator varies widely based on factors such as education, experience, training, and location. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for police detectives, including homicide investigators, was $62,110 in 2020. Homicide investigators who hold higher levels of education and experience, and have undergone specialized training, can expect higher salaries, potentially in excess of $100,000 per year.
Key Takeaways:
- The median annual salary for police detectives, including homicide investigators, was $62,110 in 2020.
- Education: bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree: $54,000 – $75,000 per year
- Experience: 2-5 years: $60,000 – $75,000 per year
- Basic law enforcement certification: $50,000 – $65,000 per year
- Basic detective training: $65,000 – $80,000 per year
- Homicide investigation specialization: $80,000 – $110,000 per year.
