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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.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$61,500

The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-28.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.6

Weekly

$1,183

Monthly

$5,125

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 LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly 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

Below Average

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

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.