Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Knoxville, TN
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Knoxville, TN, command an impressive average annual salary of $90,910. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $85,370, suggesting that local demand and specific economic factors in Knoxville contribute to higher compensation for these critical roles. The specialized nature of investigative work and the unique economic landscape of Tennessee's capital likely play a significant role in this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $90,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $150,800.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 230 Detectives and Criminal Investigators, Knoxville presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.78 indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the field is not oversaturated, potentially offering a good balance for job seekers.
Salary Overview
The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Knoxville, TN earns+6.5%above the national average.
$43.7
$1,748
$7,576
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Knoxville is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and evolving law enforcement needs typically drive salary increases in specialized fields, ensuring that compensation remains competitive and reflects the increasing demands of the profession.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
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 investigative experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth and earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $57,240 | $27.5 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $68,183 | $32.8 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $75,850 | $36.5 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $113,638 | $54.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $150,800 | $72.5 |
Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$90,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$90,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $90,910 in Knoxville, TN, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Detective's salary in Knoxville is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
0.56
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.78 for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Knoxville signifies that the employment concentration for this role is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, the market is not as densely populated with these specialists as in other regions, potentially indicating a moderate level of competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $61,940↓ 32% | 40 mi |
| Asheville, NC Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $73,070↓ 20% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $88,150↓ 3% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $85,970↓ 5% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Knoxville, TN is $90,910. This typically ranges from $57,240 for entry-level positions to $150,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 6.5% higher than the national median of $85,370.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
Yes, Knoxville, TN offers a lucrative environment for Detectives and Criminal Investigators.The average salary of $90,910 significantly exceeds the national average, and with a cost of living index matching the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is strong.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($61,940) and Asheville, NC.
How does Knoxville's Detective salary compare to the national average?
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Knoxville earn an average of $90,910 annually, which is higher than the national average of $85,370.
What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN for Detectives?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
Is the job market for Detectives strong in Knoxville?
With 230 local workers and a Location Quotient of 0.78, the market is stable but not highly concentrated, suggesting moderate demand and competition.
What is the career outlook for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Knoxville?
While specific growth projections aren't detailed, the salary being above the national average and the stable workforce suggest a positive and steady career outlook.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 0.56 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 Knoxville, TN