How to Become a Detective / Criminal Investigator
Investigate crimes: gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build the cases that solve them. It typically requires an associate degree, with a median salary of $93,790 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$93,790/yr
Job growth
-1%
Openings / yr
7,800
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Investigation
- Interviewing
- Evidence Handling
- Critical Thinking
- Report Writing
Helpful certifications
- Police academy + investigator advancement (agency-specific)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Emergency Management Director$93,330 median
- Forensic Science Technician$72,060 median
- Probation Officer$66,270 median
- Paralegal$62,890 median
- Firefighter$59,280 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Detective / Criminal Investigator make?
The median pay for a Detective / Criminal Investigator is $93,790 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Detective / Criminal Investigator?
The usual entry point is an associate degree. Common majors are Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, and Forensic Science.
Is Detective / Criminal Investigator a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about -1% over the decade, with roughly 7,800 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Detective / Criminal Investigator use most?
Common skills for this role are Investigation, Interviewing, Evidence Handling, Critical Thinking, and Report Writing.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.