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Government & Public ServicesStable

Detective and Criminal Investigator

Operational-level

Also known as: Air Marshal, Burglary Investigator, Child Support Agent, Child Support Investigator

Government & Public ServicesBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Detective or Criminal Investigator, you are responsible for investigating suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes. Your work involves extensive communication, including frequent phone conversations, emails, and interactions with the public. You'll often be on the move, operating an enclosed vehicle as you gather evidence and interview people. This role demands exceptional critical thinking, active listening, and writing skills, alongside a commitment to being exact and accurate in every detail. It suits individuals dedicated to public safety and problem-solving.
Criminal JusticeLaw EnforcementCriminologyForensic SciencePublic ServiceLegalGovernmentPolice & Military

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the Metro City Police Department precinct before 8 AM. Your first stop is your desk, where you log into your desktop PC and open Microsoft Outlook. Dozens of emails await, some from patrol officers, others from forensic techs. You review your active case files in your department’s Records Management System (RMS) – a string of recent burglaries with similar M.O.s. A fresh cup of coffee steams beside your keyboard as you prioritize your tasks.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

In-demand software
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+0.2%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

7,800

per year (US)

Jobs today

120,500

in 2025 → 120,700 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
High
Working outdoors
High
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This career has a stable outlook through 2035, with approximately 7,800 job openings expected each year. Detectives and Criminal Investigators earn a median annual wage of $93,790. You can advance your career by gaining specialized experience or moving into supervisory and federal roles.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Police Officer
  • Crime Scene Investigator

Where it can lead

  • FBI/DEA Special Agent
  • Investigator Supervisor
  • Forensic Scientist

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely augment detective work by processing vast amounts of data, analyzing patterns in evidence, and predicting crime hotspots more efficiently. While human judgment and interrogation skills remain crucial, AI tools could streamline case management, facial recognition, and forensic analysis, freeing up investigators for more complex tasks and improving solve rates.