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What is a homicide detective and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a homicide detective. For example, did you know that they make an average of $22.98 an hour? That's $47,788 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 3% and produce 20,600 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreHomicide DetectiveUS Average
Salary
3.7

Avg. Salary $47,788

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.1

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.67%

Asian 2.85%

Black or African American 12.52%

Hispanic or Latino 16.42%

Unknown 5.02%

White 62.52%

Gender

female 9.21%

male 90.79%

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
7.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.3

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Homicide detective career paths

Key steps to become a homicide detective

  1. Explore homicide detective education requirements

    Most common homicide detective degrees

    Bachelor's

    63.9 %

    Associate

    16.7 %

    Master's

    8.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific homicide detective skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Patrol31.03%
    Criminal Investigations28.75%
    Law Enforcement Agencies8.53%
    Subpoenas7.72%
    Sexual Assault6.43%
  3. Complete relevant homicide detective training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New homicide detectives 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 homicide detective based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real homicide detective resumes.
  4. Research homicide detective duties and responsibilities

    • Manage all ABC issues and applications for liquor licenses.
    • Take witness depositions; prepare court papers including subpoenas and summons.
    • Serve subpoenas and other official papers promptly and accurately.
    • Supervise all-source intelligence collection, cycle and processes in accordance with FBI and DEA investigative requirements regarding information gaps.
  5. Prepare your homicide detective resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your homicide detective 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 homicide detective resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable homicide detective resume templates

    Build a professional homicide detective 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 homicide detective resume.
    Homicide Detective Resume
    Homicide Detective Resume
    Homicide Detective Resume
    Homicide Detective Resume
    Homicide Detective Resume
    Homicide Detective Resume
    Homicide Detective Resume
    Homicide Detective Resume
    Homicide Detective Resume
  6. Apply for homicide detective jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a homicide detective 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 homicide detective job

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Average homicide detective salary

The average homicide detective salary in the United States is $47,788 per year or $23 per hour. Homicide detective salaries range between $34,000 and $65,000 per year.

Average homicide detective salary
$47,788 Yearly
$22.98 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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