Average Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in Wilmington, NC
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $78,360. This figure is slightly below the national average of $85,370, suggesting that while the demand for these specialized roles exists, local economic factors and compensation structures may influence the pay scale compared to broader national trends.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $78,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $150,800.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 200 Detectives and Criminal Investigators, Wilmington, NC, demonstrates a stable, albeit niche, job market. The Location Quotient of 1.47 indicates a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average, suggesting a potentially robust demand or a well-established presence of law enforcement agencies requiring these skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Wilmington, NC earns-8.2%below the national average.
$37.7
$1,507
$6,530
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington, NC, 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. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for investigative services, and evolving compensation packages likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for professionals in this field.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Career progression for Detectives and Criminal Investigators typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned investigators with specialized skills and years of service can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $55,840 | $26.8 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $58,770 | $28.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $62,210 | $29.9 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $97,950 | $47.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $150,800 | $72.5 |
Detailed Detectives and Criminal Investigators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$78,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$78,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $78,360 in Wilmington, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Detective's salary in Wilmington is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
1.058
Per 1K Jobs
1.47
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.47, Wilmington, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.47 signifies that Wilmington, NC, has a notably higher concentration of Detectives and Criminal Investigators compared to the national average. This suggests a strong local demand for these specialized roles, potentially leading to more opportunities and a competitive market where experienced professionals are highly valued.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $90,240↑ 15% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $76,160↓ 3% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $64,060↓ 18% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $88,750↑ 13% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary | $71,640↓ 9% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Detectives and Criminal Investigatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Wilmington, NC is $78,360. This typically ranges from $55,840 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 Wilmington, NC is 8.2% lower than the national median of $85,370.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.With an average salary of $78,360 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, the nominal salary holds its value effectively. The higher-than-average concentration of these roles (LQ 1.47) also points to a healthy local demand.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($90,240) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's Detective salary compare to the national average?
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Wilmington, NC, earn an average of $78,360 annually, which is approximately $7,010 less than the national average of $85,370.
What is the job concentration for Detectives in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington, NC, has a Location Quotient of 1.47 for Detectives and Criminal Investigators, indicating that the area has about 47% more of these professionals than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Wilmington, NC affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Wilmington's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $78,360 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the total local workforce size imply for job seekers?
A local workforce of 200 Detectives and Criminal Investigators suggests a specialized but established job market, indicating consistent opportunities for those with the requisite skills and experience in the Wilmington area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 1.058 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 Wilmington, NC