Top Criminal Investigator Schools

Criminal Investigator Salary

Criminal investigators protect individuals and entire communities by analyzing evidence to decide if a strong enough case can be built against a criminal in order to prosecute. The average annual criminal investigator salary is between $41,111 and $79,667.

Most criminal investigator jobs offer medical, dental, and vision benefits. With these perks, bonuses, and profit sharing, a criminal investigator’s salary is usually between $40,618 and $77,029.

Higher Education Can Bring Higher Pay

The average entry level salary for this career is about $30,000. However, with 10 years of experience, a criminal investigator can make up to about $43,607. Criminal investigators who have 20 or more years of experience can make up to about $101,903 a year.

Criminal investigators who have a bachelor of arts degree usually make up to about $60,000 while those who have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice earn up to about $68,748. Professionals who have a bachelor of science can make up to about $88,767.

Criminal Investigator Salary By Area

People with this career who go into industries like government and public law offices, business intelligence and private investigation, and law enforcement typically have a higher salary than those that work in the police agency, public safety, or legal services industries.

Criminal investigators in the District of Columbia have a much higher average annual income. Those in states like California, New York, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina also have high average salaries.