Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Detectives and criminal investigators examine evidence and conduct interviews to solve crimes and prevent violations of federal, state, or local laws. They work for law enforcement agencies, district attorney offices, and specialized investigative units, analyzing case details and building evidence to support prosecutions or prevent criminal activity.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against detectives and criminal investigators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A detective might spend a morning reviewing case files and evidence reports, then conduct witness interviews in the afternoon. Other days involve surveillance, analyzing forensic data, coordinating with lab technicians, or testifying in court. Investigators also prepare written reports documenting findings, follow leads from informants, and work with prosecutors to build cases for trial.
Who this work suits
Holland code ICR. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to enjoy detective work if you like solving puzzles and following systematic procedures to reach conclusions. You're organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable with rules and protocols—traits that help you gather evidence properly and navigate the legal requirements that make investigations stand up in court.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- LEAD DETECTIVE · Pacific Air Forces · Elmendorf AFB, Alaska · $83853–$104795
- Criminal Investigator · Veterans Health Administration · Phoenix, Arizona · $78117–$101558
- Entry Level Criminal Investigator - Northeast Area Field Office (NEAFO) · Office of the Inspector General, USPS · New York, New York · $67394–$96989
- Criminal Investigator - Northeast Area Field Office (NEAFO) · Office of the Inspector General, USPS · New York, New York · $88005–$163062
- Criminal Investigator (Reemployed Annuitant & CTAP/ICTAP/RPL) (Term Appointment) · Immigration and Customs Enforcement · Multiple Locations · $125776–$192694
- Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) · Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs · Keams Canyon, Arizona · $65545–$99774
- Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Chief of Police) · Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs · Fort Totten, North Dakota · $109383–$142199
- Criminal Investigator · Office of Inspector General · Washington, District of Columbia · $102415–$158322
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $114,230 | $160,760 | $170,810 | 2,980 |
| Maryland | $93,230 | $126,730 | $166,230 | 1,010 |
| California | $99,270 | $124,840 | $136,020 | 12,610 |
| Delaware | $71,670 | $122,050 | $149,990 | 140 |
| New Jersey | $91,360 | $116,300 | $134,000 | 3,080 |
| Washington | $96,540 | $115,790 | $126,170 | 1,850 |
| Alaska | $92,110 | $114,940 | $168,790 | 140 |
| Hawaii | $106,870 | $113,940 | $140,750 | 440 |
| Virginia | $79,770 | $112,760 | $160,760 | 3,180 |
| Massachusetts | $92,020 | $110,150 | $146,230 | 1,300 |
| Oregon | $94,700 | $107,450 | $127,860 | 520 |
| Vermont | $84,430 | $106,330 | $111,530 | 190 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Professional Criminal Investigator (CPCI) — McAfee Institute
- National Basic Crime Scene Investigator (NBCSI) — Law and Public Safety Education Network
- Certified Organized Retail Crime Investigator (CORCI) — McAfee Institute
- Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) — National Association of Legal Investigators
- Certified Human Trafficking Investigator (CHTI) — McAfee Institute
- Criminal Intelligence Certified Analyst (CICA) — International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against detectives and criminal investigators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 33-3021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.