What Detectives and Criminal Investigators do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Detectives and Criminal Investigators this way: "Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "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 charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 120,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 120,700 in 2035, an increase of 200 jobs (+0.2%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 7,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $93,790, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Detectives and Criminal Investigators earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $104,095 in New York to $104,458 in New Jersey, a gap of $364 (1.00 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $93,790 and 0 average at or below it.
New York employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 11,600, which is 52.5% of the 22,090 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 10,490.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($104,458) and New York ($104,095) lead the ranking, while New York ($104,095) and New Jersey ($104,458) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (33-3000) include Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers and Correctional Officers and Jailers.
Frequently asked questions about Detectives and Criminal Investigators
How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $93,790. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $104,095 to $104,458.
Which state pays Detectives and Criminal Investigators the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $104,458. New York is next at $104,095.
Is Detectives and Criminal Investigators a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 0.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 7,800 openings a year.
What education do Detectives and Criminal Investigators need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.