Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $124,580. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $85,370, suggesting that the unique demands and responsibilities of law enforcement in this region are recognized and compensated accordingly. Factors such as the complexity of cases, specific regional crime trends, and the specialized skill sets required likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $124,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $171,480.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 290 Detectives and Criminal Investigators, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area demonstrates a dedicated professional community. The Location Quotient of 0.33 indicates that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a potentially stable or growing demand for skilled investigators in the region. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers at 0.239 further contextualizes the presence of these roles within the broader employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+45.9%above the national average.
$59.9
$2,396
$10,382
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role and region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro have seen consistent growth over the past four years. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving law enforcement needs typically drive upward salary trends, ensuring that compensation remains competitive and reflective of the profession's value.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Salary progression for Detectives and Criminal Investigators is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive investigative experience, specialized training, or supervisory roles can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not explicitly detailed here, would signify this career ladder, with senior investigators occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $94,470 | $45.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $93,435 | $44.9 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $121,530 | $58.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $155,725 | $74.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $171,480 | $82.4 |
Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$124,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$124,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $124,580 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a detective's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the immediate pressure of higher or lower living expenses compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
0.239
Per 1K Jobs
0.33
Location Quotient
At 0.33x, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has a notably lower concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.33 for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA suggests that this profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This could indicate a market with potentially fewer specialized candidates relative to the demand, possibly leading to competitive opportunities for qualified individuals entering or already established in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $101,640↓ 18% | 44 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Hiring Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $124,580. This typically ranges from $94,470 for entry-level positions to $171,480 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 45.9% higher than the national median of $85,370.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigators.The average salary of $124,580 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($101,640) and others.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $124,580 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is approximately 46% higher than the national average of $85,370 for Detectives and Criminal Investigators.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.33?
An LQ of 0.33 means that the concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area is about one-third of the national average concentration. This suggests fewer professionals in this specific role relative to the overall workforce compared to the nation.
Does the cost of living affect the detective salary in Portland?
No, the cost of living in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is exactly at the national average (100). This means the high nominal salary translates directly to average purchasing power, making it financially advantageous.
What does the total local workforce size of 290 imply?
A local workforce of 290 indicates a substantial, though not massive, presence of Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the region, suggesting consistent employment opportunities within this specialized field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 0.239 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA