Detectives and Criminal Investigators Salary in North Carolina
The median pay for a detectives and criminal investigators in North Carolina is $62,480/year ($30.04/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $50K at the entry level to $135K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across North Carolina. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $62K get you in North Carolina?
About detectives and criminal investigators
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, North Carolina
Entry-level detectives and criminal investigators (10th percentile) start around $50K. Mid-career wages sit at $62K. Top earners bring in $135K or more, a $85K spread from bottom to top.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary by metro in North Carolina
14 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | $91K | +45% | 120 |
| Fayetteville | $78K | +25% | 110 |
| Raleigh-Cary | $70K | +11% | 660 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | $70K | +11% | 530 |
| Greenville | $68K | +9% | 60 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $65K | +4% | 180 |
| Rocky Mount | $64K | +3% | 30 |
| Burlington | $64K | +2% | 40 |
| Greensboro-High Point | $64K | +2% | 250 |
| Wilmington | $62K | -0% | 200 |
| Asheville | $62K | -1% | 160 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | $59K | -6% | 110 |
| Winston-Salem | $58K | -7% | 140 |
| Goldsboro | $55K | -12% | 40 |
Showing 1–10 of 14 metros
Compare to other states
Track detectives and criminal investigators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when North Carolina numbers change.
Related careers in Public Safety
Frequently asked questions
How much do detectives and criminal investigators make in North Carolina?
The median is $62,480 a year, that works out to about $30 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $49,820, and experienced detectives and criminal investigators can clear $134,870. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $62K enough to live in North Carolina?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,119/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,284/month, which eats 31.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a detectives and criminal investigators salary go in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median detectives and criminal investigators salary is worth about $67,429 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do detectives and criminal investigators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.