SalaryNode

Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Birmingham, AL

Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Birmingham, AL, command an impressive average annual salary of $89,550, surpassing the national average of $85,370. This elevated compensation reflects the specific demands and responsibilities inherent to law enforcement roles within the Birmingham metropolitan area, potentially influenced by local economic factors and the specialized skill set required.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $89,550 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $160,910.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 230 Detectives and Criminal Investigators, Birmingham presents a moderately sized, yet stable, employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.62 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a potentially less saturated market and steady demand for skilled investigators.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$89,550

The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Birmingham, AL earns+4.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$43.1

Weekly

$1,722

Monthly

$7,463

Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL

Career progression for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Birmingham, AL, is marked by significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to law enforcement agencies.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$43,990$21.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$67,163$32.3
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$76,580$36.8
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$111,938$53.8
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$160,910$77.4

Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$89,550

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$89,550

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $89,550 in Birmingham, AL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Detective's salary in Birmingham is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing for residents.

Job Market Context

230

Total Jobs

0.447

Per 1K Jobs

0.62

Location Quotient

Below Average

Birmingham, AL has 0.62x the national average concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.62 for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Birmingham indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests that while the job market may not be saturated, there is a consistent need for these professionals, potentially offering good opportunities for those seeking employment in the field.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Birmingham, AL?

The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Birmingham, AL is $89,550. This typically ranges from $43,990 for entry-level positions to $160,910 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 4.9% higher than the national median of $85,370.

Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?

Yes, Birmingham, AL offers a competitive salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators.The average salary of $89,550 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially sound location.

Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?

The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area ($56,790) and Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Birmingham, AL earn an average of $89,550 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $85,370.

What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL for this profession?

The cost of living in Birmingham, AL is at the national average of 100, meaning your salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.

How concentrated is the job market for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Birmingham?

The job market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.62, suggesting a steady demand for these roles.

What is the total number of Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Birmingham, AL?

There are approximately 230 Detectives and Criminal Investigators employed in Birmingham, AL.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 0.447 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.