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Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in North Carolina

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in North Carolina?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$63,280
Median Annual Salary
▲ +1.3% vs 2024
$76,020
Mean Salary
$63,280
Median Salary
$30.42
Hourly Rate
3,360 people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina

Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary by percentile in North Carolina

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in North Carolina — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina.10thBottom 10% earn less than $50,260$50,26025th25% earn less than $57,040$57,040MedianHalf earn more than $63,280$63,28075th75% earn less than $80,330$80,33090thTop 10% earn more than $137,550$137,550

Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina earn a median salary of $63,280 per year ($5,273/month). This is 30.2% below the national average of $90,619. North Carolina ranks #47 out of 51 states for Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay. Approximately 3,360 people work in this occupation across North Carolina. Salaries increased by 1.3% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Detectives and Criminal Investigators

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

Top Skills

Active Listening
4.38
Speaking
4.25
Reading Comprehension
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12
Writing
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Law and Government
4.84
English Language
4.78
Public Safety and Security
4.61
Customer and Personal Service
4.02
Computers and Electronics
3.87
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (73.9% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina

Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina range from $50,260 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $137,550 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $57,040 and $80,330.

Median $63,280
P10: $50,260 P25: $57,040 P75: $80,330 P90: $137,550
10th
$50,260
25th
$57,040
Median
$63,280
75th
$80,330
90th
$137,550
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $50,260 $24.16 $4,188
25th Percentile $57,040 $27.42 $4,753
Median (50th) $63,280 $30.42 $5,273
75th Percentile $80,330 $38.62 $6,694
90th Percentile (Experienced) $137,550 $66.13 $11,462

Note: The mean (average) salary of $76,020 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#47
North Carolina ranks #47 of 51 states
$90,619
National avg. for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
-30.2%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in North Carolina adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Detectives and Criminal Investigators take-home pay in North Carolina after taxes →

Explore Detectives and Criminal Investigators Data in North Carolina

Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary by State

Compare Detectives and Criminal Investigators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina is $63,280 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $76,020.
What is the salary range for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina?
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina range from $50,260 at the 10th percentile to $137,550 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $57,040 and $80,330.
What is the starting salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina?
Entry-level Detectives and Criminal Investigators positions in North Carolina typically start around $50,260 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $57,040 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,360 people are employed as Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina is approximately $30.42 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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