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Job outlook for crime scene investigators in the United States
Are crime scene investigator jobs in demand?
Crime scene investigator job and salary trends over time
Crime scene investigator jobs over time
Crime scene investigator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 966 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 949 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 946 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 926 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 943 | 0.00% |
Average crime scene investigator salary over time
Crime scene investigator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $59,391 | $28.55 | +4.5% |
| 2025 | $56,816 | $27.32 | +1.5% |
| 2024 | $55,962 | $26.90 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $54,630 | $26.26 | +2.4% |
| 2022 | $53,366 | $25.66 | +1.2% |
Crime scene investigator jobs by state
Most common states for crime scene investigators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 127 | 18% |
| 2 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 476 | 11% |
| 3 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 203 | 11% |
| 4 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 545 | 9% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 82 | 9% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 60 | 8% |
| 7 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 872 | 7% |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 839 | 7% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 569 | 7% |
| 10 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 277 | 7% |
| 11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 454 | 6% |
| 12 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 348 | 6% |
| 13 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 345 | 6% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 197 | 6% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 65 | 6% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,827 | 5% |
| 17 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 450 | 5% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 287 | 5% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 167 | 5% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 97 | 5% |
Crime Scene Investigator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of crime scene investigator experts
University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Indiana University South Bend
Pennsylvania State University - Altoona
Bowie State University
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Our Lady of the Lake University
Western Oregon University
Texas Christian University
Lincoln
University of Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University of Maryland
International Crime Scene Investigators Association
NALI - National Association of Legal Investigators
What general advice would you give to a Crime Scene Investigator?
Ben Feldmeyer: Many of our students have enjoyed this work because they are able to apply what they learned in the classroom and our program to real world problems. They feel like they are making a difference with local agencies and are helping to reduce crime and victimization issues. These are often jobs where the classroom meets the real world, and our students have a unique skillset to help solve pressing criminal justice problems.
What will help Crime Scene Investigators increase their earning potential?
Ben Feldmeyer: There are a variety of jobs that can be considered “Criminal Justice Analysts.” But many of them tend to be data and information-based positions within criminal justice agencies (e.g., analyzing police incident data or corrections records on release, risk, and recidivism). Our graduates have often taken these positions with law enforcement of corrections agencies. In these jobs, they often analyze the agencies data to look for patterns and trends in crime/victimization or recidivism, identify at risk places (“hotspots”) or people, and help develop strategies to address these patterns they see in the data. It is often a job where they are applying the tools they learn from Criminal Justice methods and research to help local agencies be more efficient and effective in tackling crime and justice problems.
What general advice would you give to a Crime Scene Investigator?
Eileen Kirk: Criminal Justice Analyst is a great position, particularly if you like analyzing data and identifying trends and patterns. As well, it is an excellent option if you are interested in working in law enforcement but want a position as a civilian. The work of a Criminal Justice Analyst can make significant contributions to prevent and reduce crime by identifying where and when crime is likely to occur.
What Crime Scene Investigator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Eileen Kirk: A Criminal Justice Analyst works with law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments or state police. An Analyst contributes to law enforcement by assessing trends and identifying patterns in crime, examining the time, days, and location of crime. Also, a Criminal Justice Analyst presents and conveys that data in a way that is easily comprehended by others, whether through charts or tables, or mapping software. The information and data gathered by a Criminal Justice Analyst may be summarized in a report or bulletin that helps inform law enforcement on how to deploy resources more efficiently and effectively, or they may be used in a grant proposal, seeking additional funding for law enforcement activities.
What will help Crime Scene Investigators increase their earning potential?
Eileen Kirk: Probably the best part of this position is contributing to the effectiveness of law enforcement. A law enforcement agency wants to work well, and looking at data can help ensure the agency is using its resources in the best possible way and addressing crime more accurately. One challenge to the work of a Criminal Justice Analyst is implementation. For example, if a Criminal Justice Analysis identifies a crime prevention concern, the agency must have the required human and financial resources to address it.
What general advice would you give to a Crime Scene Investigator?
Chloe Robinson Ph.D.: Maximizing your salary potential can only happen if you do your research before entering the job market. You should research salary trends and talk to others who may be already working in the field about the average salaries. However, it is important to be cognizant of geographical fluctuations when it comes to salaries. Regional nuances matter. Therefore, doing your research about where you plan to live and work as you enter the field matters as well. Also, before starting your career, it is so important to consider acquiring relevant skills through an internship. An internship will not only give you a “peek” into your future career, but it will also help you gain valuable experience. This will ultimately make you a competitive candidate on the job market.
What will help Crime Scene Investigators increase their earning potential?
Chloe Robinson Ph.D.: People need to be amenable to change. Technological advancements in conjunction with criminal justice reform efforts are changing the overall landscape of the field. This changing environment requires flexibility and adaptability. It is also crucial that criminal justice professionals enhance their cultural competency skills. Practitioners who understand the power of diversity will be able to authentically support different cultural groups. A culturally aware individual will also be able to appropriately address the disparities that we see in the system. As more and more data become available through transparency efforts, criminal justice professionals will need to have strong data analysis skills. This will allow them to be able to extrapolate trends from the data. This information can be useful in order to improve policies and procedures in the field.
Kim Ménard Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality StudiesPennsylvania State University - Altoona
Criminal Justice And Corrections
What general advice would you give to a Crime Scene Investigator?
Kim Ménard Ph.D.: I believe that people skills, computer skills, and forensic accounting skills will become increasingly important in the field in the next 3 to 5 years. Currently, many criminal justice agencies are working to improve recruitment and retention of their employees and to reinstate trust among the public, both of which require people skills. The ubiquitous use of computers for both legal and nefarious activity will necessitate greater computational and forensic accounting knowledge.
What Crime Scene Investigator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kim Ménard Ph.D.: Getting as much education and/or specialized training as possible prior to applying for a job. Applying to multiple places in the hopes of having more than one offer to choose from, which may also give you greater negotiating power. Be willing to relocate but be sure to do your homework so you have a good idea of the cost of living prior to accepting any offer. Depending upon the nature of the job, you can try asking for more money (say 10%) when presented with the initial offer, because for some jobs this will be the time you have the most negotiating power. Be willing to start in a 'lower' position and work your way 'up.' Some jobs require experience for promotions.
What will help Crime Scene Investigators increase their earning potential?
Kim Ménard Ph.D.: Your career preparation starts in college. Students in criminal justice professions undergo background checks, so their behavior in and out of the classroom is important. Also, many schools, like Penn State Altoona, have required internships that often lead to jobs after graduation. It is good to invest time in selecting the best classes and internships for your career objectives. Having a unique skill or specialization can really open doors. In that same vain, when starting a new career do not be afraid to show initiative by seeking out new opportunities for growth. And do seek advice or mentorship from someone with more experience. For instance, Penn State has one of the largest alumni associations in the country, which can provide a wealth of information and support.
What general advice would you give to a Crime Scene Investigator?
Charles Adams Ph.D.: I tell the students that while attending school, they should try to gain as much practical experience as possible via internships, volunteer services, or part-time employment. They should maintain good credit standing, avoid using illegal substances, and always present an ethical standard of professionalism. Always commit themselves to excellence and 'be the type of individual that employers are seeking in an applicant- go the extra mile :be 'extra'ordinary'
What Crime Scene Investigator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Charles Adams Ph.D.: Professionals should strive to build their resumes with professional certificates and training or seek advanced degrees. Get training in a specialized area to separate yourself from other applicants, seek leadership roles, and be willing to relocate to a different location.
What will help Crime Scene Investigators increase their earning potential?
Charles Adams Ph.D.: The number one skill that students should possess is critical thinking. The ability to think critically is essential for addressing the many challenges in the fluid and ever-changing field of criminal justice. We need individuals who can meet the challenges of this expanding field. Students should be well-versed in technology, such as computer applications, spreadsheet development, and statistical analysis. Another skill is cultural competency. We live in a diverse society, and it is important to be culturally competent to effectively discharge our duties and responsibilities. We must respect and understand different cultures, and culturally competent professionals are attractive to employers—finally, acquiring crisis management skills. We live in an ever-changing society where issues can arise quickly, so professionals must have the skills to respond to crises.
Dr. Jeffrey Roth
Associate ProfessorSlippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Criminal Justice And Corrections
What general advice would you give to a Crime Scene Investigator?
Dr. Jeffrey Roth: Communication skills, both interpersonal and written, have long been important abilities for people working in criminal justice jobs and I think that will remain the case into the future.
What Crime Scene Investigator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jeffrey Roth: I think my advice about geographic flexibility applies here as well. Some state and local agencies have more funding than others and so can afford to pay higher salaries. If you're looking to maximize salary potential when you're just starting out, you might need to move to the places that are paying the most.
Jiletta Kubena PhD
Professor of Criminology & Criminal JusticeOur Lady of the Lake University
Criminal Justice And Corrections
What general advice would you give to a Crime Scene Investigator?
Jiletta Kubena PhD: By building your resume before leaving college. Most criminal justice jobs are government jobs that have set salaries so negotiations are not as prevalent as in other industries. Even if your first job is not your dream job, make sure it is a place where you are acquiring skills that you can apply to a high level dream job.
What Crime Scene Investigator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jiletta Kubena PhD: Always important, but it is the ability to work well with all types of people and personalities.
What will help Crime Scene Investigators increase their earning potential?
Jiletta Kubena PhD: Before graduating, make connections in the field where you want to work. Do an internship, participate in service-learning classes, or other experiential learning experiences offered through student clubs and organizations that are specific to your major or field.
Misty Weitzel Ph.D.
Professor and Division Chair of Criminal Justice SciencesWestern Oregon University
Criminal Justice And Corrections
What general advice would you give to a Crime Scene Investigator?
Misty Weitzel Ph.D.: Maximizing your salary potential depends on what you plan to do in the field. An undergraduate degree can set you apart from others, especially if you augmented your degree with a minor (for example in psychology communications, juvenile justice, etc.). Speaking a second language can be very useful and sometimes means a bump in salary. A Master's degree may also be required for promotion in some agencies and organizations. Adding a couple extra years could mean the difference of a few thousand dollars a year.
What will help Crime Scene Investigators increase their earning potential?
Misty Weitzel Ph.D.: A career in criminal justice starts with a bachelor's degree in a reputable program that provides personalized support and internship opportunities. You need to know the criminal justice system in order to work within it. Many people confuse a degree in criminal justice with job training. They don't realize that a criminal justice degree is a social science degree, thus providing mastery of the complete picture of crime as a social problem and understanding the skills necessary for a variety of occupations that address crime at all levels of society. An undergraduate student may begin their program with the sole purpose of becoming an FBI agent, for example, but learn rather quickly that there are many jobs in criminal justice that may suit them as well or better. An internship allows students to explore these areas first hand - whether in corrections, courts, law enforcement, forensics, cyber crime, and many more.
What general advice would you give to a Crime Scene Investigator?
Ronald Burns: Individuals starting their career in criminal justice can maximize their salary
potential through expanding their skill set, maximizing their potential,
anticipating changes, and being patient. Those entering the field are
encouraged to continuously develop and refine skills. This may include
learning new software programs or a second language, seeking training
opportunities, taking on new tasks, and related endeavors that contribute to
professional development. The research skills learned in the classroom
should be applied to identifying promising areas and employment
opportunities within criminal justice that help them maximize one’s salary
potential. Many criminal justice positions are in the public sector which
enables job seekers to identify salaries for various positions. Researching
salaries and positions greatly assists with job preparation and searches.
Salary is certainly important to many people, however identifying an
enjoyable, rewarding position with the potential for both professional and
personal growth should rank high among one’s priorities. Patience is
important as those entering the workforce must be aware that they are often
restricted to entry-level positions until they gain experience and promote.
Gaining experience, for instance through internships and part-time positions,
also assists with maximizing salary potential. Starting salaries for many
criminal justice positions have increased in recent years.
What Crime Scene Investigator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ronald Burns: Short- and long-term planning is essential for an effective job search. It makes
little sense to invest in a career that will soon be outdated. Identifying and
pursuing areas of anticipated growth is the preferred path. We are in the
beginning stages of the incorporation of technology in criminal justice, thus the
ability to effectively identify, implement, use technological advancements will
help new employees distinguish themselves. For instance, society is adapting
to the use of artificial intelligence, leading to many opportunities for those well-
versed in the area, including those in criminal justice. Effective communication
skills are necessary throughout the criminal justice system. Law enforcement,
courts, and corrections personnel must be able to communicate both verbally
and nonverbally with various groups in many types of settings. Learning a
second or third language undoubtedly makes one more valuable to many
criminal justice organizations. The criminal justice field will need leaders who
can think in nontraditional ways to incorporate and synthesize field-specific
and more general advancements in society. Forward thinking individuals with
fresh ideas and motivation will find success in any career in criminal justice.
What will help Crime Scene Investigators increase their earning potential?
Ronald Burns: Students entering the criminal justice workforce should ensure they are well-
rounded, flexible, familiar with technology, motivated, and able to interact with
diverse groups of people. They should also be familiar with the impacts of
globalism and current events. Students should seek expertise in their field and
make themselves invaluable to their employer. Offering to take on new
projects, learning new skills, and demonstrating commitment largely contribute
to career and professional development. Criminal justice is changing at a
rapid pace, particularly regarding technology, interpersonal relationships, and
international crime. Technology, for instance, has changed how we fight crime
and led to more advanced forms of crime that warrant some non-traditional
skills in the field. Students beginning their career in criminal justice ought to
consider their qualifications, interests, and potential. Deeply studying careers,
agencies, fields, and societal developments should be a priority for those
interested in working in the many areas of criminal justice. Speaking with
individuals in positions that interest those entering the field is highly
recommended. Networking should be a key component of any job search.
Internships are also highly recommended, as they provide experience, enable
interns to learn new skills, and demonstrate one’s ability to responsibly
maintain employment. Taking shortcuts in professional development and
conducting half-hearted job searches only impacts the individual entering the
field. Investing in oneself is recommended.
Kimberly Retzlaff M.S.
Professor/ Internship CoordinatorLincoln
Criminal Justice And Corrections
What Crime Scene Investigator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kimberly Retzlaff M.S.: The Criminal justice field is a constantly evolving, often influenced by changes in law, technology, and society. Stay informed about current trends, research findings, and emerging issues through ongoing education and professional development opportunities. Knowledge is power! Have you adequately prepared yourself with the educational and experiential learning opportunities. Not only now but for the future promotions. Many career paths require education beyond a bachelor's degree.
Exceptional communication skills is very important in writing reports, conducting interviews, or testifying in court. Practice clear and concise written and verbal communication to convey information accurately and professionally.
Build your professional networks! I emphasize the importance of networking with students regularly. Connect with professionals in your desired area of specialization through internships, professional organizations, and networking events. These connections can provide mentorship, job opportunities, and valuable insights into the field. As a new graduate this is very important.
Perhaps most importantly, the criminal justice field often presents complex ethical dilemmas. It's important to establish a solid ethical foundation early on and commit to upholding principles of fairness, integrity, and justice throughout your career. Having good Critical thinking and problems solving skills assist in supporting ethical decisions. Use your networks to problem solve and receive mentorship when challenges arise.
Wesley Jennings
Gillespie Distinguished Scholar, Chair, & ProfessorUniversity of Mississippi
Criminal Justice And Corrections
What general advice would you give to a Crime Scene Investigator?
Wesley Jennings: Some of the best advice I can provide for recent graduates who are beginning their career in the criminal justice field is to focus on active networking and professional development. This can be pursued through attendance at professional conferences/events, workshops, social media engagement, internships, etc. This will ensure that you are always up-to-date on what is going on in your career field, and permit you the ability to take advantage of opportunities for growth, promotion, and career advancement.
Wesley Jennings
Gillespie Distinguished Scholar, Chair, & ProfessorUniversity of Mississippi
Criminal Justice And Corrections
What Crime Scene Investigator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Wesley Jennings: Technology proficiency is becoming one of the more sought after skills of those entering the workforce in criminal justice settings as technological advancements are constantly changing how criminals perpetrate their crimes as well as how law enforcement performs their duties and promotes crime prevention. Similarly, an important skill in the criminal justice profession has been and will continue to be critical thinking and analytical skills. This will become more important as the nature of crime, criminal networks, cybercrime, terrorism, etc. is becoming increasing more complex to prevent or investigate.
What will help Crime Scene Investigators increase their earning potential?
Wesley Jennings: When starting your career in the criminal justice field, the most effective strategies for maximizing your salary potential is to prioritize education (graduate degree) and certifications. Those individuals with advanced academic degrees and/or certifications stand out amongst their peers and provide leverage for negotiating salaries. Seeking entry-level leadership roles and continued professional development opportunities can also help boost your salary in terms of negotiations, pay raises, etc.)
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Crime Scene Investigator job market given the pandemic?
Gary LaFree: In terms of the criminology market, we are facing not only the pandemic but also the Black Lives Matter movement. These two events probably have their own impact, but they are difficult to separate. In terms of college education, the pandemic has not been all bad for universities-our criminology enrollments are strong right now. On the other hand, the job market is more uncertain because of the pandemic. The criminology market is also somewhat uncertain because of major questioning about the proper role of the police.
What Crime Scene Investigator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Gary LaFree: In criminology, having statistical skills is very useful for either an academic career or a research career. Researchers in police departments are getting increasingly sophisticated. Many criminology positions, both in academia and in the private sector, also depend on statistical training.
What general advice would you give to a Crime Scene Investigator?
Gary LaFree: Think about obtaining as much education and training as you can. Be patient. The fundamentals of the economy are relatively strong. Outlet should be much better when we get through the current crisis.
Daryl Clemens
President & Chairman of the BoardInternational Crime Scene Investigators Association
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Crime Scene Investigators to find work opportunities?
Daryl Clemens: CSI jobs are primarily found with large police departments. Smaller departments (which is most of them) don't have the staff to specialize and will have patrol officers or detectives do the crime scene work in addition to their other duties.
John Lajoie CLI
National Director, President of Lajoie Investigations, Inc, of MANALI - National Association of Legal Investigators
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Crime Scene Investigator job market given the pandemic?
John Lajoie CLI: I can speak to the investigation industry much more effectively than others, but I want to emphasize the "work from the home trend." Pre-pandemic, work from home was picking up but not busting out as most employers were concerned about losing some control over employees, less social and workplace interaction, and having the ability to work closely with the employee to assess their strengths and weaknesses. Oversight is diminished for the employer, but additional freedom for the employee is comfortable, so long as they are disciplined and organized to get the work done. For the employee, there is something about flexibility and additional freedom to control when and how the work gets completed, to deal with non-work appointments and family commitments, and simply rolling out of bed at 8:45 AM to be at the computer, phone, Zoom video call, or email 10 minutes later, ready to go to work and get the job done.
There is just something about being home for the kids when they get home from school or other activities for parents. However, the social aspect of showing up at the workplace suffers as some employees are locked up in their houses or apartment with no live social interaction. In-person social skills become rusty. So there are trade-offs, for sure. Post pandemic, employers find out who can and can't work productively from home - who is disciplined to work well from home and who is not. And the savings to both the employee and employer are significant.
Additionally, the employee (and other employees) is presumed to be safer at home than at work, which is probably accurate. The liability of a super-spreader event within a workplace is minimized and keeps insurance costs and other costs down...and the employer out of court, should things go south. The employer is learning that perhaps employees can permanently work from home, saving on rent, commercial real estate, taxes and maintenance, and other related costs.
The cost savings is very significant for the employer and the employee. There are other considerations, but I could write what seems like forever on this, so I will keep it brief. The investigation is a bit different for legal investigators because we on the road conducting studies in the area incidents occur, knocking on doors, interviewing witnesses, interacting with law enforcement, evaluating scenes, collecting records, etc...... so it's much harder to work from home for the average private legal investigator. It's almost impossible. But a couple of days a week doing reports from home is a reality. For all employers, we are treading on new ground controlled by an outside source - a virus. Regardless of how an employer and employee move forward, there will always be a trend of "uncertainty" that lingers until we have Covid beat....and when that happens is anyone's guess.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Crime Scene Investigators in the next 3-5 years?
John Lajoie CLI: Remote computer applications; cybersecurity; cell phone applications that do just about anything work-related and track locations; and advances in hardware and wireless applications. Any technology that will help employers and employees become faster and better communicating and selling will be significant. The biggest will be in the social media arena, as working from home creates a void for in-person social interaction. So the next best thing to many is electronic social media.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Crime Scene Investigators?
John Lajoie CLI: Regardless of bleak employment numbers during this horrific pandemic, legal investigators and private detectives' outlook remains hopeful and optimistic for growth through 2030. The onset of COVID 19 and accompanying state and federal guidelines have produced new protocols for all employers, including detective agencies, to operate safely and effectively. Civil pursuits, accidents, incidents, fraud, and criminal enterprise will continue; therefore, the need for legal investigation services will remain in demand.
Those investigators who have positioned their agency to adhere to recommended guidelines and safety protocols, and adapt to the changing technologies, will survive and likely thrive. Those that don't, will have a challenging experience and may not last. For employers, now is time to review business plans and operational and administrative policies, reinvent the business, look for unique training arenas, establish new revenue streams, and markets. Graduates entering the workforce today will experience a new way of searching for, interviewing, and landing a new job. Be prepared. And make sure you do your research on the company you are targeting for a job.