Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
SOC: 33-3021 O*NET: 33-3021.00
Median Salary
$93,790
per year
Job Growth
📉 0.2%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
7.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
What does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$55,390
10th percentile
Early Career
$69,330
25th percentile
Median
$93,790
50th percentile
Experienced
$120,520
75th percentile
Top Earners
$160,540
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$55,390
25th
$69,330
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$93,790
Mean: $99,430
75th
$120,520
90th
$160,540
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $105,150 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $69,330 and $120,520
- •Salary spread is 54.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 114,430 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:120,500
Top Industries
Educational Services0.1%
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools0.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+0.2%
Annual Openings:7,800
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)120,500
Current
2035 (Projected)120,700
+0.2%
+200
Employment Change
+0.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Detectives and Criminal Investigators professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
18,870 jobs$90,5101.82x
California
12,610 jobs$124,8400.94x
New York
9,600 jobs$101,2401.35x
Florida
6,440 jobs$77,0600.88x
Arizona
5,250 jobs$102,3402.20x
Georgia
5,070 jobs$65,4301.41x
Pennsylvania
3,370 jobs$97,5800.76x
North Carolina
3,360 jobs$63,2800.92x
Illinois
3,270 jobs$91,1900.73x
Virginia
3,180 jobs$112,7601.05x
New Jersey
3,080 jobs$116,3000.98x
District of Columbia
2,980 jobs$160,7605.78x
Michigan
2,220 jobs$90,6500.69x
Ohio
2,140 jobs$79,3000.52x
New Mexico
2,020 jobs$86,8403.15x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Law and Government
100%
#3
Information Ordering
100%
#4
Speaking
94%
#5
Written Comprehension
92%
#6
Administrative
90%
#7
Critical Thinking
86%
#8
Oral Expression
82%
#9
English Language
80%
#10
Reading Comprehension
80%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Law and Government
advanced5.0
100%
Information Ordering
advanced5.0
100%
Speaking
advanced4.7
94%
Written Comprehension
advanced4.6
92%
Administrative
advanced4.5
90%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Oral Expression
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Law and Government
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Information Ordering
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Speaking
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Written Comprehension
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Administrative
advancedImportance90%
knowledge
4.5/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Oral Expression
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Inductive Reasoning
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Security Managers100%
5 shared skills
Traffic Technicians100%
5 shared skills
Accountants and Auditors82%
5 shared skills
Registered Nurses82%
5 shared skills
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers82%
5 shared skills
Advertising and Promotions Managers82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Law and Government
- ✓Administrative
- ✓English Language
Learn on the Job:
- →Social Perceptiveness
- →Coordination
- →Computers and Electronics
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Law and Government
- ✓Administrative
- ✓English Language
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Law and Government
- ★Administrative
- ★English Language
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
SAS
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Photoshop
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechLinux
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visio
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
SAS
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL
Microsoft Outlook
Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Office software
Linux
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (11)Documentation & Record-Keeping (6)Analysis & Evaluation (3)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping88% perform92%
6
Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation85% perform90%
7
Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Note, mark, and photograph location of objects found, such as footprints, tire tracks, bullets and bloodstains, and take measurements of the scene.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
10
Examine records and governmental agency files to find identifying data about suspects.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Detectives and Criminal Investigators
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Detectives and Criminal Investigators professionals typically have a ICR Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
CConventional
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.91
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.67
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.64
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.60
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.54
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.40
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.9
Self-Control
4.7
Dependability
4.6
Stress Tolerance
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.5
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.4
Initiative
4.4
Persistence
4.3
Cooperation
4.3
Leadership
4.3
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Detectives and Criminal Investigators.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
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