Salary distribution
Where New York detectives and criminal investigators fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $77,350 and $124,860, with a median of $103,340.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay by experience level in New York
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New York, by industry
Median offered wage across 3 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Retail and wholesale leads with a median of $71,053.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail and wholesale | Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. | 2 | $71,053 |
| Professional services | Institute for Strategic Dialogue “ U.S. | 1 | $73,690 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in New York over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
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)
- 4.8 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.4 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.4 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
- 02
Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
- 03
Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
- 04
Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
- 05
Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
- 06
Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
- 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.
- 08
Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
-0.7%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Slower than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Metro-level salary data for detectives and criminal investigators in major New York metropolitan areas.
- New York City$106,540
- Buffalo$96,040
Compare Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New York?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New York is $103,340.
- How does New York compare to the national median for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
- The New York median is +11.7% versus the BLS national figure of $92,476.
- What is the salary range for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New York?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $61,450 and the 90th-percentile at $168,770, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Detectives and Criminal Investigators a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment declining by -0.7% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates 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.