Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
The average salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $61,500. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,020.
- Outlook: The current demand for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 110 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-28.0%below the national average.
$29.6
$1,183
$5,125
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Detectives and Criminal Investigators salaries in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC have shown healthy growth of 18.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
The earning potential for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $51,210, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $78,020.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $51,210 | $24.6 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $46,125 | $22.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $58,640 | $28.2 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $76,875 | $37 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $78,020 | $37.5 |
Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $61,500 to $61,500.
Job Market Context
110
Total Jobs
0.7
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.97x 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.
110 people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC.
Only 0.7 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $88,810↑ 44% | 45 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $62,680↑ 2% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $73,070↑ 19% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $85,970↑ 40% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $61,500. This typically ranges from $51,210 for entry-level positions to $78,020 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 28.0% lower than the national median of $85,370.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $61,500 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($88,810) and Winston-Salem, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 110 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 0.7 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Production Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Detectives and Criminal Investigators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC