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Code enforcement officer vs criminal investigator

The differences between code enforcement officers and criminal investigators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a criminal investigator has an average salary of $54,520, which is higher than the $40,706 average annual salary of a code enforcement officer.

The top three skills for a code enforcement officer include patrol, public safety and community development. The most important skills for a criminal investigator are investigative reports, resourcefulness, and firearms.

Code enforcement officer vs criminal investigator overview

Code Enforcement OfficerCriminal Investigator
Yearly salary$40,706$54,520
Hourly rate$19.57$26.21
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs104,2955,131
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4044
Years of experience--

What does a code enforcement officer do?

Code enforcement officers are professionals who work for the government to ensure that properties within their jurisdiction are following the zoning laws and building ordinances of a city, town, or county. These officers are required to inspect properties and record violations as part of their regular assessment or in response to complaints. They must explain to property owners about building codes and zoning laws so that they can avoid confusion and increase awareness of all violations. Code enforcement officers must also keep records of case violations and complaints while submitting the summary reports to their supervisors.

What does a criminal investigator do?

A criminal investigator is a law enforcement professional who endeavors to solve felony crimes. Criminal investigators may work alone or as a member of an investigative team whose goal is to uncover the certainty of a case and potentially keep suspects to prevent the ensuing criminal activity. Their tasks and responsibilities depend on various job functions and specialties. They may specialize in the information and evidence of a crime scene, conduct interviews and searches, or perform surveillance.

Code enforcement officer vs criminal investigator salary

Code enforcement officers and criminal investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Code Enforcement OfficerCriminal Investigator
Average salary$40,706$54,520
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $56,000Between $34,000 And $85,000
Highest paying CitySan Rafael, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateAlaskaCalifornia
Best paying companyKing CountyNational Railroad Passenger Corporation
Best paying industryGovernmentGovernment

Differences between code enforcement officer and criminal investigator education

There are a few differences between a code enforcement officer and a criminal investigator in terms of educational background:

Code Enforcement OfficerCriminal Investigator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Bakersfield-

Code enforcement officer vs criminal investigator demographics

Here are the differences between code enforcement officers' and criminal investigators' demographics:

Code Enforcement OfficerCriminal Investigator
Average age4044
Gender ratioMale, 67.3% Female, 32.7%Male, 79.7% Female, 20.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 3.2% White, 59.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage7%9%

Differences between code enforcement officer and criminal investigator duties and responsibilities

Code enforcement officer example responsibilities.

  • Develop and manage firearms training programs, including weapons selection and qualification standards.
  • Review variance, special use and any land use applications.
  • Review plans and specifications for zoning, parking and setback requirements.
  • Enforce city and state ordinances, patrol city for violations against the city building code and animal laws.
  • Patrol assign areas within the city limits while operating a city vehicle to enforce nuisance and property maintenance codes.
  • Create simulations for force-on-force firearms training/defensive tactics for customers and train the trainers at Police/Sheriff departments.
    • Show more

Criminal investigator example responsibilities.

  • Conduct joint planning and manage AFOSI's criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations in northern Italy.
  • Close accounts and file SAR's with FinCEN as warranted.
  • Write suspicious activity reports (SAR).
  • Follow up on sub reviews and documentation require information for FinCEN reporting.
  • Coordinate and conduct firearms training.
  • Examine discovery, prepare subpoenas, and review pertinent documents.
    • Show more

Code enforcement officer vs criminal investigator skills

Common code enforcement officer skills
  • Patrol, 12%
  • Public Safety, 7%
  • Community Development, 5%
  • Municipal Codes, 4%
  • Code Compliance, 4%
  • Plumbing, 4%
Common criminal investigator skills
  • Investigative Reports, 13%
  • Resourcefulness, 11%
  • Firearms, 11%
  • Treasury, 9%
  • Investigative Techniques, 8%
  • IRS, 6%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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