Find a Job You Really Want In
Forensic investigators play a vital role in the criminal justice system, and their demand continues to grow across the United States. Contrary to popular belief, these professionals are not limited to states like California or regions in the South; they are employed in every state in the country.
In our quest to identify the best states for forensic investigators in 2026, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other reputable sources. We aimed to find locations with abundant job opportunities and competitive salaries, ensuring that forensic professionals are well-compensated throughout their careers.
After thorough analysis, we compiled this list of the top states for forensic investigators in America:
As you can see, Nevada tops our list as the best state for forensic investigators in 2026.
Curious about how we arrived at this ranking? Read on to learn about our research methodology and the factors that helped shape these rankings.
How We Determined the Best States for Forensic Investigators
At Zippia, we engage with job seekers from diverse backgrounds. Our research has consistently shown that two critical factors influence job choices:
- Job availability
- Competitive salaries
To pinpoint the best states for forensic investigators, we analyzed where the job opportunities are and how salaries compare. Our criteria, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics, include:
- Location quotient: A measure of job prevalence in each state.
- Average annual salary.
- Entry-level salary averages.
- Experienced professional salary averages.
To ensure a fair comparison, we adjusted salary figures based on each state’s cost of living. For instance, while forensic investigators in California earn an average of $79,490, the higher cost of living means that a salary of $72,680 in Illinois may provide a better standard of living.
We ranked each state from 1 to 50 based on the above criteria, with the lowest average score indicating the best state for forensic investigators.
Now, let’s explore what makes each of these states so favorable for forensic investigators.
1. Nevada
Total Jobs: 220
Average Annual Salary: $73,210
Average Entry Level Salary: $53,100
Average Experienced Salary: $98,440
Location Quotient: 1.76
2. Illinois
Total Jobs: 590
Average Annual Salary: $72,680
Average Entry Level Salary: $43,490
Average Experienced Salary: $110,250
Location Quotient: 0.98
3. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 40
Average Annual Salary: $61,950
Average Entry Level Salary: $40,410
Average Experienced Salary: $83,380
Location Quotient: 1.38
4. Virginia
Total Jobs: 650
Average Annual Salary: $67,770
Average Entry Level Salary: $35,010
Average Experienced Salary: $109,450
Location Quotient: 1.74
5. Iowa
Total Jobs: 100
Average Annual Salary: $64,910
Average Entry Level Salary: $45,450
Average Experienced Salary: $84,470
Location Quotient: 0.65
6. Alabama
Total Jobs: 170
Average Annual Salary: $55,650
Average Entry Level Salary: $35,330
Average Experienced Salary: $94,460
Location Quotient: 0.89
7. Indiana
Total Jobs: 280
Average Annual Salary: $57,960
Average Entry Level Salary: $38,750
Average Experienced Salary: $76,440
Location Quotient: 0.92
8. Ohio
Total Jobs: 330
Average Annual Salary: $61,730
Average Entry Level Salary: $43,300
Average Experienced Salary: $84,070
Location Quotient: 0.62
9. California
Total Jobs: 2,270
Average Annual Salary: $79,490
Average Entry Level Salary: $48,190
Average Experienced Salary: $117,410
Location Quotient: 1.44
10. Colorado
Total Jobs: 340
Average Annual Salary: $61,110
Average Entry Level Salary: $39,410
Average Experienced Salary: $84,530
Location Quotient: 1.36
Summary
If you’re considering a career as a forensic investigator, these states should be at the top of your list. They offer competitive pay, ample job opportunities, and significant growth potential.
On the flip side, here are the states where the opportunities for forensic investigators are more limited:
Detailed List of the Best States for Forensic Investigators
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevada | $73,210 |
| 2 | Illinois | $72,680 |
| 3 | Wyoming | $61,950 |
| 4 | Virginia | $67,770 |
| 5 | Iowa | $64,910 |
| 6 | Alabama | $55,650 |
| 7 | Indiana | $57,960 |
| 8 | Ohio | $61,730 |
| 9 | California | $79,490 |
| 10 | Colorado | $61,110 |
| 11 | Arizona | $55,960 |
| 12 | Washington | $62,020 |
| 13 | Nebraska | $53,090 |
| 14 | Mississippi | $51,420 |
| 15 | Michigan | $58,190 |
| 16 | Kansas | $49,640 |
| 17 | Oklahoma | $55,270 |
| 18 | Utah | $51,030 |
| 19 | Maryland | $64,760 |
| 20 | Tennessee | $47,230 |
| 21 | Oregon | $63,610 |
| 22 | New Hampshire | $68,430 |
| 23 | Connecticut | $72,550 |
| 24 | Idaho | $48,170 |
| 25 | Montana | $57,390 |
| 26 | Missouri | $50,260 |
| 27 | Texas | $49,380 |
| 28 | New Mexico | $50,880 |
| 29 | Louisiana | $50,450 |
| 30 | Florida | $47,490 |
| 31 | Minnesota | $56,570 |
| 32 | Georgia | $47,680 |
| 33 | Arkansas | $40,740 |
| 34 | New York | $65,560 |
| 35 | North Carolina | $44,340 |
| 36 | Massachusetts | $70,800 |
| 37 | South Dakota | $49,510 |
| 38 | Pennsylvania | $48,690 |
| 39 | West Virginia | $0 |
| 40 | Wisconsin | $46,040 |
| 41 | Hawaii | $54,660 |
| 42 | South Carolina | $46,050 |
| 43 | Maine | $44,040 |
| 44 | Kentucky | $41,430 |
| 45 | New Jersey | $55,380 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
