Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area earn an average annual salary of $80,700. This figure is slightly below the national average of $85,370, suggesting that while demand exists, local economic factors or specific market dynamics may influence compensation levels. The Austin area's unique economic landscape, potentially driven by a mix of tech industry influence and a growing population, shapes the earning potential for these critical roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $80,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,150.
- Outlook: The job market for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX, appears robust, with a significant local workforce of 1,680 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.86 indicates a concentration of these roles nearly double the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized job market. With 1.336 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of these professionals is notably higher than the national benchmark, pointing to a healthy and active employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX earns-5.5%below the national average.
$38.8
$1,552
$6,725
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Austin is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic growth, inflation, and increasing demand for law enforcement professionals typically drive salary increases in specialized fields. This suggests that compensation for these roles in the Austin area has likely seen incremental growth, aligning with broader economic and labor market developments.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
The career trajectory for Detectives and Criminal Investigators typically involves a substantial salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with years of investigative experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear path for career progression and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $47,040 | $22.6 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $60,525 | $29.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $77,470 | $37.2 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $100,875 | $48.5 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $116,150 | $55.8 |
Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$80,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$80,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $80,700 for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX, is positioned directly against a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing for professionals considering relocation or residing in the area.
Job Market Context
1,680
Total Jobs
1.336
Per 1K Jobs
1.86
Location Quotient
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX has 1.9x 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 1.86, the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX metropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators compared to the national average. This elevated quotient suggests a robust and specialized job market where demand for these professionals is notably strong, potentially leading to more opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Comparing salaries near Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?
The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is $80,700. This typically ranges from $47,040 for entry-level positions to $116,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 5.5% lower than the national median of $85,370.
Is Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX a lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
Yes, with a caveat.The area offers a strong concentration of jobs (LQ 1.86) and a cost of living on par with the national average, making the $80,700 salary competitive locally, though slightly below the national average salary.
Is Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The Cost of Living Index in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($63,610) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Austin salary compare to the national average for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The average annual salary in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is $80,700, which is slightly lower than the national average of $85,370.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.86 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.86 indicates that Detectives and Criminal Investigators are more than 1.8 times more concentrated in the Austin area than in the U.S. overall, suggesting a strong local demand and a specialized job market.
Is the cost of living high in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?
The Cost of Living Index for Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the national benchmark.
What is the total number of Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the Austin area?
There are approximately 1,680 Detectives and Criminal Investigators employed within the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX 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 1,680 employees in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area with a job density of 1.336 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 Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX