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Public Safety · North Carolina

How to Become a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina

Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina earn a median salary of $63,280/year, which is 33% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a detectives and criminal investigators takes home approximately $2,971/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$63K
Median salary in North Carolina
-33%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
3,360
Employed in North Carolina

What a detectives and criminal investigators can afford in North Carolina

Gross annual salary$63,280
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$4,170/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Carolina)-$1,199/mo
Rent as % of take-home28.8% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$63,280/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,971/mo

Becoming a detectives and criminal investigators in North Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Detectives and Criminal Investigators positions in North Carolina typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across North Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many detectives and criminal investigators positions in North Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain North Carolina licensure or certification

North Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for detectives and criminal investigatorss. Requirements vary by state, contact the North Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in North Carolina

North Carolina employs 3,360 detectives and criminal investigators. The highest concentrations are in Jacksonville and Raleigh-Cary.

Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary by metro area in North Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Jacksonville$92K$44.43/hr100
Raleigh-Cary$77K$37.12/hr630
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$71K$34.36/hr600
Durham-Chapel Hill$69K$33.07/hr160
Rocky Mount$68K$32.68/hr30
Fayetteville$65K$31.05/hr170
Burlington$64K$30.66/hr50
Wilmington$63K$30.09/hr210
Asheville$62K$30.03/hr140
Winston-Salem$62K$29.93/hr140
Greenville$61K$29.43/hr40
Greensboro-High Point$61K$29.43/hr240
Goldsboro$59K$28.55/hr40
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$57K$27.51/hr100

Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary range in North Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$50K
25th percentile
$57K
Median (50th)
$63K
75th percentile
$80K
90th percentile (senior)
$138K
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Full detectives and criminal investigators salary breakdown in North Carolina
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Detectives and Criminal Investigators careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a detectives and criminal investigators make in North Carolina?

The median detectives and criminal investigators salary in North Carolina is $63,280 per year ($30.43/hr). This is 33% below the national median of $93,790. Salaries range from $50,260 to $137,550.

What are the requirements to become a detectives and criminal investigators in North Carolina?

Detectives and Criminal Investigators positions in North Carolina typically require High school diploma or equivalent. North Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the North Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a detectives and criminal investigators afford to live in North Carolina?

At the median salary of $63,280, a detectives and criminal investigators in North Carolina would take home approximately $4,170/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,199/month, that's 28.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for detectives and criminal investigators in North Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for detectives and criminal investigators in North Carolina are Jacksonville ($92,410), Raleigh-Cary ($77,210), Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia ($71,460). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does North Carolina have state income tax for detectives and criminal investigators?

Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $63,280 salary, this means roughly $2,848/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.