Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Bellingham, WA
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Bellingham, WA, command an impressive average annual salary of $126,620. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $85,370, suggesting that local demand and specialized requirements in Bellingham contribute to this elevated compensation. The robust pay reflects the critical role these professionals play within the community's law enforcement framework.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $126,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $173,680.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 260 Detectives and Criminal Investigators, Bellingham presents a concentrated job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 4.02 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling strong local demand and a potentially stable job outlook for qualified individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Bellingham, WA earns+48.3%above the national average.
$60.9
$2,435
$10,552
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Bellingham have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing compensation for specialized law enforcement roles. This upward trajectory is likely driven by evolving investigative techniques, increased complexity of cases, and a sustained need for experienced professionals.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA
Career progression for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Bellingham typically involves a substantial salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned investigators with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to law enforcement agencies.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $100,610 | $48.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $94,965 | $45.7 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $120,080 | $57.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $158,275 | $76.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $173,680 | $83.5 |
Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$126,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$126,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $126,620 in Bellingham, WA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Detective's salary in Bellingham is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
2.889
Per 1K Jobs
4.02
Location Quotient
Bellingham, WA has 4.0x 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.
Bellingham's Location Quotient of 4.02 for Detectives and Criminal Investigators is exceptionally high, indicating that this profession is more than four times as concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive market, where local agencies actively seek and retain talent in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $128,720↑ 2% | 80 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $121,690↓ 4% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA
Hiring Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Bellingham, WA?
The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Bellingham, WA is $126,620. This typically ranges from $100,610 for entry-level positions to $173,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 48.3% higher than the national median of $85,370.
Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?
Yes, Bellingham, WA is a highly lucrative location for Detectives and Criminal Investigators.The average salary of $126,620 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, maximizing earning potential.
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($128,720) and Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA.
How does Bellingham's Detective salary compare to the national average?
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Bellingham earn an average of $126,620 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $85,370.
What is the concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Bellingham?
Bellingham has a high concentration of these professionals, with a Location Quotient of 4.02, meaning the profession is over four times more common there than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the Detective salary in Bellingham?
No, the cost of living in Bellingham is exactly at the national average (100), so the high salary translates directly to strong purchasing power.
How many Detectives and Criminal Investigators work in Bellingham?
There are approximately 260 Detectives and Criminal Investigators employed in Bellingham, WA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 2.889 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 Bellingham, WA