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Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area earn an impressive average annual salary of $98,070. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $85,370, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized needs within the region that drive compensation upwards.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $98,070 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $173,180.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,850 Detectives and Criminal Investigators, the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area demonstrates a substantial presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.64 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer number of professionals indicates a stable and active job market with ongoing opportunities for skilled investigators.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$98,070

The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX earns+14.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$47.2

Weekly

$1,886

Monthly

$8,173

Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

Career progression for Detectives and Criminal Investigators typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may 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 expertise and value to law enforcement agencies.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$49,020$23.6
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$73,553$35.4
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$84,980$40.9
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$122,588$58.9
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$173,180$83.3

Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$98,070

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$98,070

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $98,070 in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary translates directly into purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the region financially attractive for those considering a move.

Job Market Context

1,850

Total Jobs

0.462

Per 1K Jobs

0.64

Location Quotient

Below Average

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX has 0.64x 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 0.64 for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX, indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is not oversaturated, there may be fewer job openings relative to the number of professionals nationally, potentially leading to a more competitive hiring landscape for new entrants.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Comparing salaries near Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

Hiring Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX?

The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is $98,070. This typically ranges from $49,020 for entry-level positions to $173,180 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is 14.9% higher than the national median of $85,370.

Is Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX a lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigators.The average salary of $98,070 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering strong purchasing power.

Is Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?

The Cost of Living Index in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include Sherman-Denison, TX ($82,820) and Waco, TX.

How does the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is $98,070, which is approximately $12,700 higher than the national average of $85,370.

What is the concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.64, meaning there are fewer Detectives and Criminal Investigators per worker in this area compared to the national average.

Does the cost of living affect the salary in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington?

No, the cost of living in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington is exactly at the national average (100), so the higher salary directly translates to equivalent purchasing power.

How many Detectives and Criminal Investigators work in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area?

There are approximately 1,850 Detectives and Criminal Investigators employed in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, 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 1,850 employees in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area with a job density of 0.462 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.