Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $76,580. This figure is notably below the national average of $85,370, suggesting that while the demand is present, the compensation may be influenced by regional economic factors or a different supply-demand dynamic compared to other major U.S. cities. The cost of living in Atlanta is right at the national average, making this salary's purchasing power align with the typical American.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $76,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $138,400.
- Outlook: The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA area supports a local workforce of 2,950 Detectives and Criminal Investigators. With a Location Quotient of 1.43, this indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing job market for these professionals within the region. The presence of over 1 job per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent demand for investigative services in this metropolitan hub.
Salary Overview
The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA earns-10.3%below the national average.
$36.8
$1,473
$6,382
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Atlanta is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators have seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased public safety needs, and inflation typically drive upward adjustments in compensation for specialized roles like these, ensuring that pay remains competitive within the evolving labor market.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
Career progression for Detectives and Criminal Investigators typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with extensive investigative experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the accumulation of expertise, responsibility, and proven track record in complex investigations.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $42,370 | $20.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $57,435 | $27.6 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $65,320 | $31.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $95,725 | $46 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $138,400 | $66.5 |
Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$76,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$76,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $76,580 for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (100). This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing for those relocating to the area without the immediate pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses impacting their disposable income.
Job Market Context
2,950
Total Jobs
1.029
Per 1K Jobs
1.43
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.43, Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.43 signifies that Detectives and Criminal Investigators are more concentrated in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA area than the national average. This suggests a strong regional demand for these specialized skills, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive market where employers actively seek experienced professionals. The higher concentration indicates that this metropolitan area is a significant hub for this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, GA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $68,480↓ 11% | 49 mi |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $57,150↓ 25% | 60 mi |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $54,890↓ 28% | 65 mi |
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $57,940↓ 24% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is $76,580. This typically ranges from $42,370 for entry-level positions to $138,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 10.3% lower than the national median of $85,370.
Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary of $76,580 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $85,370. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the salary's purchasing power is standard.
Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The Cost of Living Index in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($68,480) and Athens-Clarke County, GA.
How does the Atlanta Detective salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is $76,580, which is $8,790 less than the national average of $85,370.
What is the concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Atlanta?
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA has a higher concentration of these professionals, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.43, meaning there are 43% more jobs per worker than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Detective salary in Atlanta?
The cost of living in Atlanta is exactly at the national average (100), so the $76,580 salary offers standard purchasing power compared to the rest of the country.
What is the total number of Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the Atlanta area?
There are approximately 2,950 Detectives and Criminal Investigators employed in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 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 2,950 employees in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA area with a job density of 1.029 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Detectives and Criminal Investigators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA