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Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area command an impressive average annual salary of $103,930. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $85,370, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher responsibilities or specialized needs within the region's law enforcement sector that justify this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $103,930 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $188,820.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,830 Detectives and Criminal Investigators, the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands area demonstrates a substantial presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.78 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer number of professionals indicates a robust and active job market that continues to employ a significant portion of the workforce in these critical roles.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$103,930

The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns+21.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$50

Weekly

$1,999

Monthly

$8,661

Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

Career progression for Detectives and Criminal Investigators typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive investigative backgrounds and specialized expertise can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the value placed on experience and proven investigative acumen within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$51,720$24.9
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$77,948$37.5
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$86,440$41.6
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$129,913$62.5
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$188,820$90.8

Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$103,930

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$103,930

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $103,930 in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Detective's or Criminal Investigator's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of a significantly higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,830

Total Jobs

0.564

Per 1K Jobs

0.78

Location Quotient

Below Average

Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has 0.78x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.78 for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX indicates a job market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, there may be opportunities for skilled investigators to enter the market, and the demand, relative to the national distribution, is present but not overwhelmingly saturated.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Detectives and Criminal Investigators

CitySalaryDist.
Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary$72,560↓ 30%77 mi
College Station-Bryan, TX Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary$67,310↓ 35%77 mi

Comparing salaries near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

Hiring Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?

The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $103,930. This typically ranges from $51,720 for entry-level positions to $188,820 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 21.7% higher than the national median of $85,370.

Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigators.The average salary of $103,930 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, making it financially advantageous.

Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?

The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($72,560) and College Station-Bryan, TX.

How does the Houston Detective salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $103,930, which is notably higher than the national average of $85,370.

What is the concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Houston compared to the nation?

The Location Quotient of 0.78 indicates that the concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is slightly below the national average, suggesting a moderately competitive job market.

Does the cost of living affect the value of a Detective's salary in Houston?

No, the cost of living in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is at the national average (100), meaning the $103,930 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary across the country.

How many Detectives and Criminal Investigators work in the Houston area?

There are approximately 1,830 Detectives and Criminal Investigators employed within the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, 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 1,830 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 0.564 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

Semantic Salary Analysis for Detectives and Criminal Investigators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX