Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.
Median salary
$93,790/yr
Typical range
$69,330 – $120,520
Education
High school diploma
Time to entry
No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning
What a Detectives and Criminal Investigators does
You investigate crimes by analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and suspects, and building cases for prosecution. Your detective work helps solve serious crimes and bring offenders to justice.
Education & path
The typical entry point is a high school diploma. No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning.
Estimated cost of that path: No degree cost. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.
Related careers
- Security Guards — $38,020/yr
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers — $76,210/yr
- Customs and Border Protection Officers — $76,210/yr
- Correctional Officers and Jailers — $58,940/yr
- Firefighters — $59,280/yr
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