Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
What it pays
Detectives and Criminal Investigators earn a median of $45.09/hr — about $94,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $26.63/hr; the top 10% earn $77.18/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
Detectives and Criminal Investigators earn a median of $45.09/hr — about $94,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $26.63/hr; the top 10% earn $77.18/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- 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.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
The feel of the work
Much of the work happens outdoors; it rewards working independently; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 0% of detectives and criminal investigators are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are organized and detail-focused, analytical and hands-on.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
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Quick questions
- How much does a detectives and criminal investigator make?
- The median pay is $45.09 per hour — roughly $94,000 a year, with the real range running from about $26.63/hr (10th percentile) to $77.18/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a detectives and criminal investigator?
- The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
- What does a detectives and criminal investigator actually do all day?
- 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.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.