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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the New Orleans metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$69,190
Mean annual$90,650
Range (10th to 90th)$54,410 to $159,410
New Orleans, Louisiana employment410
State vs national-25.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where New Orleans detectives and criminal investigators fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$54,41025TH$54,460MEDIAN$69,19075TH$129,25090TH$159,410

The middle 50% of workers earn between $54,460 and $129,250, with a median of $69,190.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    Less than 5 years

  • On-the-job training

    Moderate-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Law and Government

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5
  • Public Safety and Security

    Knowledge

    4.6 / 5
  • Inductive Reasoning

    Ability

    4.4 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.4 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.4 / 5
  • Speaking

    Basic skill

    4.3 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5
  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    4.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.

  2. 02

    Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.

  3. 03

    Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.

  4. 04

    Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.

  5. 05

    Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.

  6. 06

    Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.

  7. 07

    Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.

  8. 08

    Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Orleans, Louisiana?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the New Orleans metropolitan area is $69,190.
Does New Orleans pay more than the Louisiana state average for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The New Orleans metro median is +16.3% versus the Louisiana state median of $59,500.
How does New Orleans compare to the national median for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The New Orleans metro median is -25.2% versus the BLS national figure of $92,476.
What is the salary range for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New Orleans?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $54,410 and the 90th-percentile at $159,410 for the New Orleans metro area.
What education is required for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the New Orleans CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.