Explore This Path

Criminal Investigator

💰 Earn $100K-$136K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 12–24 Month Training

📈 -0.7% Job Growth

Uncover the truth and bring justice by solving complex criminal cases.
Make a significant impact by ensuring safety and upholding the law.
Engage in thrilling investigations and gather crucial evidence.

What Criminal Investigators DoConduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

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 reports that detail investigation findings.

Criminal Investigators Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED

Career ProspectsSteady (Staying constant (within 1%))

Training Time1 to 2 years

Job Openings7,800 Annually

Median Earnings

$122,140 in California

$93,580 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@prof.anderson.csi

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Influencing or leading others
Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks

you value

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Job security

you are skilled in

Speaking
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Judgment and Decision Making
Social Perceptiveness

Go Deeper: Criminal Investigators Explained

Criminal InvestigatorExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Fellowship or Service ProgramA fellowship or service program typically provides individuals with opportunities to engage in meaningful community service or social impact work, while encouraging personal growth, developing leadership skills, and creating positive change in society.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 1-3 years

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Professional UpskillingProfessional upskilling typically results in acquiring new or enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to a participant's current job or desired career path, leading to improved job performance, opportunities for career advancement, and greater employability.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 1 week - 3 months

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What Is the Law & Public Safety Industry?