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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in Memphis, Tennessee

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Memphis 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$77,960
Mean annual$88,760
Range (10th to 90th)$48,220 to $146,490
Memphis, Tennessee employment280
State vs national-15.7% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Memphis detectives and criminal investigators fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$48,22025TH$61,630MEDIAN$77,96075TH$117,04090TH$146,490

The middle 50% of workers earn between $61,630 and $117,040, with a median of $77,960.

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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Other metros in Tennessee

How the Memphis metro compares to other major Tennessee metro areas for detectives and criminal investigators.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Memphis, Tennessee?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the Memphis metropolitan area is $77,960.
Does Memphis pay more than the Tennessee state average for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The Memphis metro median is +7.1% versus the Tennessee state median of $72,800.
How does Memphis compare to the national median for Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The Memphis metro median is -15.7% versus the BLS national figure of $92,476.
What is the salary range for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Memphis?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $48,220 and the 90th-percentile at $146,490 for the Memphis 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 Memphis 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.