Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

$77,270
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+3% projected 2024–2034

What They Do

Detectives and criminal investigators work to solve crimes by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing information about criminal activity. They examine crime scenes, photograph evidence, and carefully document their findings to build cases against suspects. Much of their time involves conducting detailed interviews with victims, witnesses, and suspects, often requiring them to ask probing questions and assess the truthfulness of statements. They review records, analyze data from surveillance systems, and collaborate with forensic specialists to understand physical evidence like fingerprints or DNA.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)University of San Diego, CA
$143,943
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Curry College, MA
$121,483
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)Santa Rosa Junior College, CA
$111,649
Security Science and Technology(masters)Champlain College, VT
$110,892
Criminal Justice and Corrections(postbacc-cert)University of Louisville, KY
$102,190
Security Science and Technology(masters)University of Maryland Global Campus, MD
$101,880
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)University of Chicago, IL
$100,258
Security Science and Technology(masters)University of San Diego, CA
$97,944
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Lewis University, IL
$96,146
Security Science and Technology(masters)Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL
$94,550
Security Science and Technology(masters)Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, FL
$94,550
Security Science and Technology(masters)Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ
$94,550
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)San Bernardino Valley College, CA
$94,285
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)University of Massachusetts-Lowell, MA
$93,930
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)San Diego Miramar College, CA
$91,647
Security Science and Technology(postbacc-cert)Salve Regina University, RI
$91,193
Criminal Justice and Corrections(doctoral)Nova Southeastern University, FL
$90,969
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Concordia University-Saint Paul, MN
$89,127
Security Science and Technology(masters)Utica University, NY
$85,450
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)Monroe Community College, NY
$85,061
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Columbus State University, GA
$82,799
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)University of Louisville, KY
$81,602
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)Moreno Valley College, CA
$81,339
Criminal Justice and Corrections(doctoral)Walden University, MN
$79,647
Security Science and Technology(masters)Capella University, MN
$79,297

Related Careers

Other occupations in Protective Service