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What is a criminal investigations division investigator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Gary LaFree
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a criminal investigations division investigator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $26.14 an hour? That's $54,381 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 3% and produce 20,600 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a criminal investigations division investigator?

Gary LaFreeGary LaFree LinkedIn profile

Chair and Professor, University of Maryland

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.
ScoreCriminal Investigations Division InvestigatorUS Average
Salary
4.2

Avg. Salary $54,381

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
10.0

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.67%

Asian 2.83%

Black or African American 12.04%

Hispanic or Latino 17.18%

Unknown 5.00%

White 62.28%

Gender

female 34.13%

male 65.87%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Criminal investigations division investigator career paths

Key steps to become a criminal investigations division investigator

  1. Explore criminal investigations division investigator education requirements

    Most common criminal investigations division investigator degrees

    Bachelor's

    57.4 %

    Associate

    19.0 %

    Master's

    8.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific criminal investigations division investigator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Litigation15.10%
    Law Enforcement Agencies11.49%
    Federal Agencies11.29%
    Trial Preparation10.38%
    Subpoenas9.59%
  3. Complete relevant criminal investigations division investigator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New criminal investigations division investigators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a criminal investigations division investigator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real criminal investigations division investigator resumes.
  4. Research criminal investigations division investigator duties and responsibilities

    • Receive multiple letters of commendation for effective investigations that lead to successful prosecutions.
    • Participate during local search warrant and issue subpoenas for documentary evidence and notice to appear in court.
    • Proofread and assist state investigators with writing affidavits in order to obtain search warrants and subpoenas for operations and phone taps.
    • Provide direction and guidance on several high-profile homicide investigations, as well as numerous additional criminal and narcotics investigations.
  5. Prepare your criminal investigations division investigator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your criminal investigations division investigator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a criminal investigations division investigator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable criminal investigations division investigator resume templates

    Build a professional criminal investigations division investigator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your criminal investigations division investigator resume.
    Criminal Investigations Division Investigator Resume
    Criminal Investigations Division Investigator Resume
    Criminal Investigations Division Investigator Resume
    Criminal Investigations Division Investigator Resume
    Criminal Investigations Division Investigator Resume
    Criminal Investigations Division Investigator Resume
    Criminal Investigations Division Investigator Resume
    Criminal Investigations Division Investigator Resume
    Criminal Investigations Division Investigator Resume
  6. Apply for criminal investigations division investigator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a criminal investigations division investigator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first criminal investigations division investigator job

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Average criminal investigations division investigator salary

The average criminal investigations division investigator salary in the United States is $54,381 per year or $26 per hour. Criminal investigations division investigator salaries range between $33,000 and $88,000 per year.

Average criminal investigations division investigator salary
$54,381 Yearly
$26.14 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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