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Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area command an impressive average annual salary of $98,670. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $85,370, indicating a robust demand and potentially higher living costs that necessitate this elevated compensation. The specialized nature of investigative work and the specific economic conditions within the Capital Region likely contribute to this favorable salary landscape.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $98,670 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $124,860.
  • Outlook: The Albany-Schenectady-Troy metropolitan area demonstrates a strong market for Detectives and Criminal Investigators, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 880 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 2.76, this region exhibits a concentration of these roles nearly three times the national average, signaling robust and sustained demand for investigative talent.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$98,670

The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY earns+15.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$47.4

Weekly

$1,898

Monthly

$8,223

Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

Career progression for Detectives and Criminal Investigators typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned investigators with specialized skills and years of service can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The substantial gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise, case management proficiency, and a proven track record in solving complex cases.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$63,100$30.3
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$74,003$35.6
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$106,110$51
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$123,338$59.3
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$124,860$60

Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$98,670

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$98,670

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $98,670 in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary effectively translates to purchasing power that is on par with the national average, suggesting that the increased earnings are balanced by the local cost of goods and services.

Job Market Context

880

Total Jobs

1.982

Per 1K Jobs

2.76

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY has 2.8x the national concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 2.76, the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area is a significantly concentrated hub for Detectives and Criminal Investigators compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests a competitive job market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation packages to secure and retain skilled investigators, while also indicating a strong ecosystem of related support services and agencies.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Comparing salaries near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

Hiring Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?

The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is $98,670. This typically ranges from $63,100 for entry-level positions to $124,860 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 15.6% higher than the national median of $85,370.

Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?

Yes, it is a highly lucrative location.Detectives and Criminal Investigators in this area earn significantly above the national average salary, and the high concentration of these roles suggests strong demand and competitive compensation.

Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?

The Cost of Living Index in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Glens Falls, NY ($80,390) and Kingston, NY.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is $98,670, which is notably higher than the national average of $85,370.

What is the concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators in this area?

The Location Quotient for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 2.76, meaning the concentration of these jobs is 2.76 times higher than the national average.

How does the Cost of Living affect the salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $98,670 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the area?

There are approximately 880 Detectives and Criminal Investigators employed in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 880 employees in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area with a job density of 1.982 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.