Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average, Police Officers make $70,750 annually, while Detectives and Criminal Investigators make $90,370 per year. As a result, Detectives and Criminal Investigators earn a salary that is significantly higher than Police Officers.
However, it's worth noting that salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific setting in which the employee works. As an example, Detectives and Criminal Investigators who work in Washington DC (with an average salary of $123,760) may earn more than those who work in Mississippi ($59,110).
Police Officers vs Detectives and Criminal Investigators overview
Police Officers and Detectives and Criminal Investigators are crucial to the Federal, State, and Local Government industry. Many people are interested in understanding the distinctions between these job titles, including the average earnings for each of them.
Police Officer job description
Alternative names: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Police Officers maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.
Police Officer education and experience
Among Police Officers, 40% hold a High School Diploma, 21% hold a Post-Secondary Certificate, and 17% have an Associate's Degree. With regard to experience, about a half of Police Officer occupations do not require any previous experience. A smaller number of roles (23%) require a previous experience of 6 months to 1 year.
Police Officer average salary
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had a workforce of 665,380 Police Officers in 2021 and they earned an average annual income of $70,750. The lowest earning 10 percent made $40,190 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $102,530 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has gone up by 1.1%.
Do Police Officers make good money?
The mean salary of Police Officers is 21% above the average salary in the United States ($58,260). In contrast, they make 4% more than the mean earnings of the Federal, State, and Local Government industry ($67,800).
The mean salary of Police Officers is 21% above the average salary in the United States ($58,260).
Police Officers job growth
In 2021, there have been 10,480 more Police Officer roles than the previous year across the nation, and that marks a growth of 1.6%. Job growth has averaged 0.2% over the past 3 years.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators job description
Detectives and Criminal Investigators conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators education and experience
About a third of Detectives and Criminal Investigators have completed a High School Diploma, 20% have an Associate's Degree, and 20% hold a Post-Secondary Certificate. Regarding experience, about a third of Detectives and Criminal Investigators jobs require no previous experience. A smaller percentage of jobs (20%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators average salary
As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had a workforce of 107,890 Detectives and Criminal Investigators in 2021 and they earned an average of $90,370 per year. The lowest earning 10 percent made $48,040 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $146,830 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the average salary is up by 1.2%.
Do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make good money?
Detectives and Criminal Investigators usually receive good salaries, as their average salary is 55% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they earn about a third more than the average wage of the Federal, State, and Local Government industry ($67,800).
Detectives and Criminal Investigators usually receive good salaries, as their average salary is 55% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
Detectives and Criminal Investigators job growth
The hiring of Detectives and Criminal Investigators has risen in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 1,910 more positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a rise of 1.8%. Job growth has averaged 1.4% for the last 3 years.
FAQ
Do Police Officers or Detectives and Criminal Investigators make more?
The average earnings of Detectives and Criminal Investigators are 28% higher than those of Police Officers. On average, Police Officers make $70,750 per year, while Detectives and Criminal Investigators make $90,370.