National Salary Overview
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Median Salary
$90,618
Average (Mean)
$97,404
Employed Nationwide
114,420
VS
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Median Salary
$73,431
Average (Mean)
$75,326
Employed Nationwide
12,790
Detectives and Criminal Investigators earns $17,186 more (23.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$90,618
$73,431
Average (Mean) Salary
$97,404
$75,326
Total Employment
114,420
12,790
States with Higher Pay
32
11
Salary by State: Detectives and Criminal Investigators vs Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Showing 43 states where both occupations have BLS data. Detectives and Criminal Investigators pays more in 32 states; Fire Inspectors and Investigators pays more in 11.
| State | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | Fire Inspectors and Investigators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $66,290 | $78,110 | $-11,820 | ||
| Arizona | $102,340 | $74,780 | +$27,560 | ||
| Arkansas | $54,500 | $57,990 | $-3,490 | ||
| California | $124,840 | $99,230 | +$25,610 | ||
| Colorado | $105,480 | $85,750 | +$19,730 | ||
| Connecticut | $95,240 | $80,490 | +$14,750 | ||
| Florida | $77,060 | $75,660 | +$1,400 | ||
| Georgia | $65,430 | $64,550 | +$880 | ||
| Idaho | $72,520 | $72,810 | $-290 | ||
| Illinois | $91,190 | $62,400 | +$28,790 | ||
| Indiana | $70,340 | $73,340 | $-3,000 | ||
| Iowa | $79,560 | $81,860 | $-2,300 | ||
| Kansas | $75,740 | $64,290 | +$11,450 | ||
| Kentucky | $71,670 | $55,970 | +$15,700 | ||
| Louisiana | $60,450 | $64,820 | $-4,370 | ||
| Maine | $88,310 | $58,240 | +$30,070 | ||
| Maryland | $126,730 | $98,730 | +$28,000 | ||
| Massachusetts | $110,150 | $81,140 | +$29,010 | ||
| Michigan | $90,650 | $77,460 | +$13,190 | ||
| Minnesota | $80,000 | $84,410 | $-4,410 | ||
| Mississippi | $58,640 | $55,260 | +$3,380 | ||
| Missouri | $75,650 | $77,240 | $-1,590 | ||
| Nebraska | $100,530 | $76,770 | +$23,760 | ||
| Nevada | $94,470 | $93,450 | +$1,020 | ||
| New Hampshire | $89,290 | $75,230 | +$14,060 | ||
| New Jersey | $116,300 | $60,100 | +$56,200 | ||
| New Mexico | $86,840 | $64,680 | +$22,160 | ||
| New York | $101,240 | $73,920 | +$27,320 | ||
| North Carolina | $63,280 | $66,820 | $-3,540 | ||
| North Dakota | $82,290 | $80,320 | +$1,970 | ||
| Ohio | $79,300 | $59,280 | +$20,020 | ||
| Oklahoma | $80,430 | $37,320 | +$43,110 | ||
| Oregon | $107,450 | $115,080 | $-7,630 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $97,580 | $59,080 | +$38,500 | ||
| Rhode Island | $88,450 | $78,100 | +$10,350 | ||
| South Carolina | $62,760 | $61,890 | +$870 | ||
| Tennessee | $77,090 | $63,400 | +$13,690 | ||
| Texas | $90,510 | $82,390 | +$8,120 | ||
| Utah | $78,920 | $72,760 | +$6,160 | ||
| Virginia | $112,760 | $70,460 | +$42,300 | ||
| Washington | $115,790 | $122,900 | $-7,110 | ||
| West Virginia | $92,410 | $52,490 | +$39,920 | ||
| Wisconsin | $91,040 | $66,600 | +$24,440 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Detectives and Criminal Investigators vs Fire Inspectors and Investigators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Detectives and Criminal Investigators or Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
On average across all states, a Detectives and Criminal Investigators earns more than a Fire Inspectors and Investigators. The national median salary difference is $17,186 (23.4%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Detectives and Criminal Investigators earn more than a Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
A Detectives and Criminal Investigators earns a higher median salary than a Fire Inspectors and Investigators in 32 out of 43 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Fire Inspectors and Investigators pays more in 11 states.
What is the median salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators vs Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
The national median salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators is $90,618 per year, compared to $73,431 for a Fire Inspectors and Investigators, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Detectives and Criminal Investigators or Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
There are more people employed as Detectives and Criminal Investigators. BLS reports approximately 114,420 Detectives and Criminal Investigators positions and 12,790 Fire Inspectors and Investigators positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Detectives and Criminal Investigators or Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
Both Detectives and Criminal Investigators and Fire Inspectors and Investigators are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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