A Look at Criminal Investigators: Salary and More
Written by:
Appalachian State University
• Jan 30, 2025
A Look at Criminal Investigators: Salary and More
Criminal justice professionals strive to keep the public safe, making it a rewarding career. While this career can be emotionally fulfilling, a criminal investigator’s salary also shows that it can be a lucrative path for those interested in law enforcement.
Criminal investigators can focus on many different specialties, but they first need a foundation in understanding criminal justice and the role of law enforcement, a foundation that can be built with the help of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. From there, they can start their work in the field and gain the experience they need to reach their desired role.
What Is a Criminal Investigator?
A criminal investigator works in law enforcement, often on a police force or for a government agency. These criminal justice professionals, also known as detectives, focus on solving crimes and catching criminals. Criminal investigators don’t typically perform arrests themselves, though they can make arrests. However, in many cases, their analysis, findings and reports on a particular case are what result in an arrest later.
Criminal investigators typically work out in the field most of the time, working on crime scenes, sourcing evidence and interviewing witnesses and suspects. Their job is often physically demanding. They may also work in a lab setting or at a desk occasionally, particularly when they have to communicate with others working on a particular case, such as a forensic science technician who may analyze the evidence the criminal investigator found. A criminal investigator often specializes in specific fields, such as cybercrime, and works on cases related to their specialty.
Criminal Investigator Job Description
A criminal investigator’s role and responsibilities may include the following:
- Analyzing crime scenes and collecting evidence
- Interviewing witnesses and potential suspects
- Collecting and examining written reports
- Writing and communicating detailed case reports
- Preparing evidence for trials and testifying about the findings in court
Criminal Investigator Salary and Career Outlook
Criminal investigators play a crucial role in law enforcement, and the median criminal investigator salary reflects their importance.
Criminal Investigator Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median criminal investigator salary was about $91,100 as of May 2023. The bureau reports that criminal investigators are among the highest paid in the law enforcement field. In comparison, the median salary for a police officer was about $72,300 as of 2023.
Many law enforcement agencies offer benefits, including the option for early retirement.
Criminal Investigator Job Outlook
The BLS projects that the number of positions available for criminal investigators and other police officers will grow by 4% between 2023 and 2033. This projection is on par with the average for all occupations in the United States.
How to Become a Criminal Investigator
Criminal investigators may train for specific specialties, but all criminal investigators need to meet the general education, experience and skill requirements.
Education
Working as a criminal investigator requires at least a high school diploma, but in most cases, particularly if one plans to specialize in a specific field or work for the federal government, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related major is required. Students planning to work on a police force will need to pass a law enforcement entrance exam and graduate from a police academy.
Professional Experience
In addition to obtaining the proper education and passing a background check and drug tests, aspiring criminal investigators typically need at least two years of experience in investigative or law enforcement work. These future criminal justice professionals may also want to consider obtaining certain certifications to help them stand out from their competition, such as the Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) designation from the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI).
Necessary Skills
The skills required for a career as a criminal investigator include the following:
- Detail-Oriented: Criminal investigators must be able to catch what others miss, as they need to go over a significant amount of evidence during their investigations.
- Analytic Skills: Criminal investigators must be able to analyze evidence, crime scenes and testimonies and use critical-thinking skills to solve sometimes complex cases.
- Adaptability: Criminal investigators must be able to adapt to the situation and maintain their composure, as they see a variety of difficult circumstances that may be upsetting at times.
- Confidentiality: Criminal investigators must be able to keep information confidential because if they accidentally leak details about a case, it can compromise it.
- Physical Strength: Criminal investigators may need physical strength and stamina to pursue and apprehend suspects.
- Communication: Criminal investigators must have good communication skills to relay their findings to the proper parties, including forensic scientists, district attorneys and other officers who may be working on a case.
- Surveillance: Criminal investigators must have the ability to blend into the background to keep an eye on a suspect during a case.
Preparing for a Career as a Criminal Investigator
Criminal investigators play an integral role in keeping the public safe. Their investigations are what drive the capture of criminals and help people find justice for crimes committed against them and their loved ones. To become a criminal investigator and earn a criminal investigator’s salary, students need experience in law enforcement, but before they can meet the experience requirements, they need the right education.
The Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from App State Online prepares students for their role as a criminal investigator by teaching them about the fundamental concepts of criminal justice, as well as helping them hone the skills needed to thrive in their role, such as problem-solving and communication skills.
Learn more about how App State Online can help you get on the path to becoming a criminal investigator.
Sources:
Forbes, “How to Become A Criminal Investigator: Steps, Certifications and Career Data”
Indeed, How to Become a Criminal Investigator (Including Skills)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Police and Detectives
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Criminal Investigator