Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $113,210. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $85,370, indicating a robust demand for these specialized roles within the region. The elevated compensation is likely driven by the area's specific law enforcement needs and the specialized skill set required for investigative work.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $113,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $167,650.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,290 Detectives and Criminal Investigators, the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area demonstrates a notable concentration of these professionals, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.11. This suggests that the demand for such expertise is slightly higher than the national average, pointing towards a stable and potentially growing job market for those in this field within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+32.6%above the national average.
$54.4
$2,177
$9,434
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial 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 trends in law enforcement and specialized investigative professions. This upward trajectory is often fueled by increasing complexity in criminal activities and the need for highly skilled professionals to address them.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
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 certifications can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $75,270 | $36.2 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $84,908 | $40.8 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $108,360 | $52.1 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $141,513 | $68 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $167,650 | $80.6 |
Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$113,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$113,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $113,210 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO, 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 this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without the added financial strain often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
1,290
Total Jobs
0.795
Per 1K Jobs
1.11
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.11, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.11 indicates that Detectives and Criminal Investigators are more concentrated in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these professionals, making the job market relatively competitive but also offering ample opportunities for skilled individuals to find employment and build a career.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $96,870↓ 14% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $97,680↓ 14% | 45 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $100,600↓ 11% | 54 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $85,540↓ 24% | 54 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $78,390↓ 31% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $113,210. This typically ranges from $75,270 for entry-level positions to $167,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 32.6% higher than the national median of $85,370.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
Yes, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is a lucrative location for Detectives and Criminal Investigators.The average salary of $113,210 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($96,870) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $113,210, which is approximately 32.6% higher than the national average of $85,370.
What is the concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The Location Quotient of 1.11 signifies that this profession is 11% more concentrated in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO compared to the national average, suggesting a higher demand relative to the general workforce.
Does the cost of living affect the Detective salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
No, the cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher nominal salary directly translates to equivalent purchasing power compared to the national average.
How many Detectives and Criminal Investigators work in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area?
There are approximately 1,290 Detectives and Criminal Investigators employed within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO 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 1,290 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 0.795 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO