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Crime scene investigator vs special agent

The differences between crime scene investigators and special agents can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a crime scene investigator and a special agent. Additionally, a special agent has an average salary of $60,916, which is higher than the $59,391 average annual salary of a crime scene investigator.

The top three skills for a crime scene investigator include physical evidence, criminal justice and law enforcement agencies. The most important skills for a special agent are professional work, national security, and local law enforcement.

Crime scene investigator vs special agent overview

Crime Scene InvestigatorSpecial Agent
Yearly salary$59,391$60,916
Hourly rate$28.55$29.29
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs4,62146,232
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

What does a crime scene investigator do?

A crime scene investigator uses specialized equipment and processes to examine crime scenes physically and visually. Scene investigators may be given authority to gather materials and evidence to solve crimes. They assist the detectives to solve crimes as they sort details and evidence so prosecutors in case building. Their job also includes fingerprint lifting and collecting. Also, they collect and document trace DNA evidence.

What does a special agent do?

A special agent is responsible for investigating law violations and criminal activities by collecting pieces of evidence, including witnesses' testimonies, to release a warrant of arrest and initiate prosecution. Special agents work closely with other law enforcement agencies to identify threats, analyze occurring criminal activities, and connect intelligence records through observation and field investigations. They also attend court proceedings to present evidence for court decisions. A special agent must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills, assessing unusual situations, and handling suspicious activities.

Crime scene investigator vs special agent salary

Crime scene investigators and special agents have different pay scales, as shown below.

Crime Scene InvestigatorSpecial Agent
Average salary$59,391$60,916
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $113,000Between $43,000 And $85,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-BNSF Railway
Best paying industry--

Differences between crime scene investigator and special agent education

There are a few differences between a crime scene investigator and a special agent in terms of educational background:

Crime Scene InvestigatorSpecial Agent
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common college--

Crime scene investigator vs special agent demographics

Here are the differences between crime scene investigators' and special agents' demographics:

Crime Scene InvestigatorSpecial Agent
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 61.0% Female, 39.0%Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 2.8% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 2.8% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between crime scene investigator and special agent duties and responsibilities

Crime scene investigator example responsibilities.

  • Receive multiple letters of commendation for effective investigations that lead to successful prosecutions.
  • Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
  • Review wire transfers and apply regulatory reporting and banking requirements to ensure compliance with BSA/AML and OFAC rules and regulations.
  • Conduct OFAC alert investigation using global standard policies, procedures and tools aim at meeting internal and external regulatory requirements.
  • Serve as firstresponder for accidents and disasters, applying cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life- saving procedures as needed.

Special agent example responsibilities.

  • Manage a team of field supervisors on a project to modernize and improve the ATF system of office inspection.
  • Conduct joint planning and manage AFOSI's criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations in northern Italy.
  • Follow up on tips receive from a variety of sources, including patrol officers, community members, and confidential informants.
  • Conduct detailed and precise SIU investigations involving insurance fraud.
  • Authore products highly praise by senior FBI and DOJ officials.
  • Interview witnesses, gather evidence and prepare cases for litigation.
    • Show more

Crime scene investigator vs special agent skills

Common crime scene investigator skills
  • Physical Evidence, 17%
  • Criminal Justice, 10%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 8%
  • Laboratory Analysis, 5%
  • Patrol, 5%
  • AML, 4%
Common special agent skills
  • Professional Work, 73%
  • National Security, 8%
  • Local Law Enforcement, 5%
  • Search Warrants, 2%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 2%
  • Counterintelligence Investigations, 1%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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