Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area earn a substantial average annual salary of $119,960, significantly outpacing the national average of $85,370. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the region's high demand for specialized investigative skills and the complex nature of law enforcement in a major metropolitan hub.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $119,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $180,090.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,050 Detectives and Criminal Investigators, the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area demonstrates a notable presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.54 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a stable and active job market for those with investigative expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH earns+40.5%above the national average.
$57.7
$2,307
$9,997
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Boston is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and the increasing complexity of criminal investigations. This upward trajectory is often fueled by technological advancements and evolving investigative techniques.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
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, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their accumulated knowledge and proven track record.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $76,560 | $36.8 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $89,970 | $43.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $111,460 | $53.6 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $149,950 | $72.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $180,090 | $86.6 |
Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$119,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$119,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $119,960 in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average, indicating that the higher earnings are balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,050
Total Jobs
0.386
Per 1K Jobs
0.54
Location Quotient
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH has 0.54x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.54 indicates that Detectives and Criminal Investigators are less concentrated in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals, though it also implies that the demand might not be exceptionally high relative to other professions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $112,530↓ 6% | 37 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $96,960↓ 19% | 38 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $110,460↓ 8% | 50 mi |
| Barnstable Town, MA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $102,850↓ 14% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Hiring Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $119,960. This typically ranges from $76,560 for entry-level positions to $180,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 40.5% higher than the national median of $85,370.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?
Yes, it is a lucrative place.The average salary of $119,960 is significantly higher than the national average, making it financially attractive despite a cost of living index that matches the national average.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The Cost of Living Index in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Worcester, MA ($112,530) and Providence-Warwick, RI-MA.
How does the Boston salary compare to the national average?
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH earn an average of $119,960 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $85,370.
What is the concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Boston?
The Location Quotient for this role in Boston is 0.54, meaning the concentration is about half of the national average. There are approximately 0.386 jobs per 1,000 workers in the area.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the Boston salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary effectively provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Detectives and Criminal Investigators work in the Boston area?
There are approximately 1,050 Detectives and Criminal Investigators employed in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 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 1,050 employees in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area with a job density of 0.386 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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH