Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Yes, Charleston-North Charleston, SC is a highly lucrative market for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss. With an average annual salary of $99,980, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $99,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $168,040.
- Outlook: The current demand for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 180 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Charleston-North Charleston, SC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns+17.1%above the national average.
$48.1
$1,923
$8,332
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Detectives and Criminal Investigators salaries in Charleston-North Charleston, SC have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 33.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
The earning potential for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss in Charleston-North Charleston, SC varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 3.2x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $52,070, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $168,040.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $52,070 | $25 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $74,985 | $36.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $77,440 | $37.2 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $124,975 | $60.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $168,040 | $80.8 |
Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$99,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$99,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Charleston-North Charleston, SC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $99,980 to $99,980.
Job Market Context
180
Total Jobs
0.47
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.65x 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.
180 people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Charleston-North Charleston, SC.
Only 0.47 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Detectives and Criminal Investigators roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sumter, SC Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $57,230↓ 43% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $76,160↓ 24% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $84,310↓ 16% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $55,720↓ 44% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $99,980. This typically ranges from $52,070 for entry-level positions to $168,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 17.1% higher than the national median of $85,370.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?
Yes, Charleston-North Charleston, SC is financially attractive for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss. The average salary of $99,980 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sumter, SC ($57,230) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 180 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 0.47 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 Charleston-North Charleston, SC