Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
Median pay: $93,790/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -0.7% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 7,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
• Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
• Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
• Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
• Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
• Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
• Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
• Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.
What's the median pay for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The median pay for Detectives and Criminal Investigators is $93,790 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
Employment for Detectives and Criminal Investigators is projected to change -0.7% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
About 7,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.