Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in North Carolina
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $75,320, which is below the national average of $85,370. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demands of law enforcement agencies within the state, and the overall cost of living, which can affect compensation benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $75,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $134,870.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,240 Detectives and Criminal Investigators, North Carolina presents a stable, albeit slightly below-average concentration, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.92 indicates that the presence of these roles is nearly in line with national distribution, suggesting a consistent, ongoing demand for skilled investigators within the state's law enforcement and investigative sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina earns-11.8%below the national average.
$36.2
$1,448
$6,277
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, evolving investigative techniques, and the need for specialized skills likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation, ensuring that the profession remains competitive.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in North Carolina
Career progression for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina typically involves significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive investigative experience, specialized training, and leadership roles can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on accumulated expertise and demonstrated success in complex cases.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $49,820 | $24 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $56,490 | $27.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $62,480 | $30 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $94,150 | $45.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $134,870 | $64.8 |
Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$75,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$79,368
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average annual salary of $75,320 in North Carolina for Detectives and Criminal Investigators is notably advantageous when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 94.9. This index, being below the national average of 100, means that the purchasing power of this salary is effectively higher than the nominal figure suggests, allowing for a comfortable standard of living relative to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
3,240
Total Jobs
0.661
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
North Carolina has 0.92x 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 0.92 for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina suggests a job market that is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a healthy and competitive environment where the number of available positions is proportionate to the overall workforce, implying steady opportunities for qualified individuals without being overly saturated.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $81,170↑ 8% | 32 mi |
| Burlington, NC Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $60,010↓ 20% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $62,680↓ 17% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $71,560↓ 5% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
Hiring Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina is $75,320. This typically ranges from $49,820 for entry-level positions to $134,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 11.8% lower than the national median of $85,370.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.While the average salary is below the national figure, North Carolina's lower cost of living enhances the purchasing power of the $75,320 average salary, making it a financially viable location.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($81,170) and Burlington, NC.
How does the number of Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina compare nationally?
North Carolina employs approximately 3,240 Detectives and Criminal Investigators, with a concentration (Location Quotient) of 0.92, indicating a presence very close to the national average.
What is the average salary for a Detective and Criminal Investigator in North Carolina?
The average annual salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina is $75,320.
Is the cost of living in North Carolina high for these professionals?
No, North Carolina has a Cost of Living Index of 94.9, which is below the national average of 100, making the $75,320 salary more impactful.
How does North Carolina's job market for Detectives and Criminal Investigators compare to the national average?
The market is quite comparable, with a Location Quotient of 0.92, suggesting a similar level of demand and availability of positions relative to the overall workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,240 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 0.661 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 North Carolina