Criminal Investigator

Explore This Path

Uncover the truth and bring justice by solving complex criminal cases.
Make a significant impact by ensuring safety and upholding the law.
Engage in thrilling investigations and gather crucial evidence.

💰 Earn $96K-$137K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 2.3% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

8,500 Annually

Median Earnings

$115,090 in California

$91,100 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

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$125K

$150K

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$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Criminal Investigator? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@prof.anderson.csi

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Monitoring
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Job security

Deep Dive

Criminal Investigator

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years