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Narcotics detective vs criminal investigator

The differences between narcotics detectives 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 $51,008 average annual salary of a narcotics detective.

The top three skills for a narcotics detective include surveillance operations, patrol and crime scenes. The most important skills for a criminal investigator are investigative reports, resourcefulness, and firearms.

Narcotics detective vs criminal investigator overview

Narcotics DetectiveCriminal Investigator
Yearly salary$51,008$54,520
Hourly rate$24.52$26.21
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs5545,131
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

Narcotics detective vs criminal investigator salary

Narcotics detectives and criminal investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Narcotics DetectiveCriminal Investigator
Average salary$51,008$54,520
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $74,000Between $34,000 And $85,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-National Railroad Passenger Corporation
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between narcotics detective and criminal investigator education

There are a few differences between a narcotics detective and a criminal investigator in terms of educational background:

Narcotics DetectiveCriminal Investigator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common college--

Narcotics detective vs criminal investigator demographics

Here are the differences between narcotics detectives' and criminal investigators' demographics:

Narcotics DetectiveCriminal Investigator
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 89.1% Female, 10.9%Male, 79.7% Female, 20.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%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 Percentage9%9%

Differences between narcotics detective and criminal investigator duties and responsibilities

Narcotics detective example responsibilities.

  • Job duties as a patrol deputy are to answer calls, transport mental people, serve warrants.
  • Train troopers in patrol investigation procedures.
  • Demonstrate expert proficiency in firearms usage and maintenance.
  • Supervise all-source intelligence collection, cycle and processes in accordance with FBI and DEA investigative requirements regarding information gaps.
  • Supervise all-source intelligence collection, cycle and processes in accordance with FBI and DEA investigative requirements regarding information gaps.

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

Narcotics detective vs criminal investigator skills

Common narcotics detective skills
  • Surveillance Operations, 18%
  • Patrol, 14%
  • Crime Scenes, 13%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 8%
  • Public Safety, 4%
  • Narcotics Investigations, 4%
Common criminal investigator skills
  • Investigative Reports, 13%
  • Resourcefulness, 11%
  • Firearms, 11%
  • Treasury, 9%
  • Investigative Techniques, 8%
  • IRS, 6%

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