The Average Salary of Criminal Investigators
Criminal investigators research and examine evidence to solve crimes. They can surreptitiously follow suspects, investigate computer records, listen to police radios, assist in pretrial preparations of attorneys and testify in court. Investigators may specialize in particular fields such as surveillance, work with a law enforcement agency or be self-employed.
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Basics
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that as of May 2009, the median salary for criminal investigators is $29.86 per hour or $62,110 per year, with the bottom 10 percent making $18.25 or $37,960 and the top 10 percent earning $48.07 or $99,980.
Industries
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The type of industry adjusts rates. The top five highest-paying for this profession are local government, with a rate of $29.44 per hour or $61,230 per year; the federal government, with a rate of $36.25 or $75,390; state government, with a rate of $26.41 or $54,940; postal service, with a rate of $42.39 or $88,170; and colleges, universities and professional schools, with a rate of $29.72 or $61,820.
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States
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The state in which a job is located can determine compensation. This profession's highest-paying locations are the District of Columbia, with wages of $45.49 or $94,620; New Jersey, with wages of $41.31 or $85,930; California, with wages of $38.53 or $80,140; Delaware, with wages of $37.48 or $77,960; and Maryland, with wages of $37.46 or $77,910.
Cities
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The city of employment can determine income. Three of the highest-paying cities for this profession are in California and include Oakland, with salaries at $47.34 or $98,460; Salinas, with salaries at $46.36 or $96,430; and Oxnard, with salaries of $42.45 or $88,300. Rounding out the list are Washington D.C., with salaries at $44.84 or $93,270, and Edison, New Jersey, with salaries at $44.79 or $93,170.
Employment Levels
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The areas with the greatest employment numbers may or may not offer the best income. For example, both local and federal government offer the most jobs and some of the highest pay. However, the states with the highest employment are New Mexico, with wages of $26.27 or $54,650, and Arizona, with wages of $27.51 or $57,230. Neither of these are the top payers. Finally, none of the cities with the highest employment are the best payers. This includes El Centro, California, with wages of $25.76 or $53,580, and Yuma, Arizona, with wages of $26.50 or $55,130.
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References
- Photo Credit crime examination (investigation) image by stassad from Fotolia.com
