How to Become a Criminal Investigator
Editor & Writer
Editor
Editor & Writer
Editor
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.
- Becoming a criminal investigator involves meeting certain requirements, including passing exams, obtaining experience, and earning certifications.
- The salary for a criminal investigator can vary based on your experience and location.
- Criminal investigators can work in several fields, with specialized education and training often required for advancement.
- The work of a criminal investigator can be demanding and intense, with long hours and potentially dangerous environments.
A criminal investigator — also referred to as a detective or agent — is a specialized law enforcement officer who investigates various types of crimes, gathers and verifies evidence, conducts interviews, maintains surveillance, and compiles comprehensive reports of their findings. Sometimes, they are also expected to provide testimony in court.
Criminal investigator salaries can depend on your level of experience, geographical location, and the type of agency you work for. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for detectives and criminal investigators was $91,100 as of 2023.
This guide will cover what you need to know about becoming a criminal investigator, from the essential skills to the paths you can take to embark on this career.
Popular Online Bachelor's in Criminology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
4 Criminal Investigator Requirements
Becoming a criminal investigator involves earning your degree, passing exams, gaining law enforcement experience, and earning relevant certifications.
1. Education
Most criminal investigator positions require at least a high school or GED diploma, though some agencies will require at least two years of college courses in criminal justice or a related field. To work for the federal government, you'll need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field like criminology, forensic science, or psychology.
2. Qualifying Exams
To become a criminal investigator, you'll need to pass a law enforcement entrance exam and complete police academy training. The content and length of these exams can vary based on the jurisdiction and the specific law enforcement agency.
3. Experience and Training
Gaining professional law enforcement experience is an essential part of becoming a criminal investigator. You can do this by working as a police officer or detective. The amount of experience required may vary based on the specific agency or position. In addition to earning on-the-job experience, you should also participate in training programs, workshops, seminars, and other forms of professional development.
4. Certifications and Licensure
While not mandatory for all positions, obtaining certifications can help you specialize in a particular field of criminal investigation. For example, the Certified Legal Investigator certification can help you find work as a private legal investigator, working with attorneys to collect evidence for cases.
Criminal Investigator Careers and Salaries
Criminal investigators can take many career paths, some of which require specialized education and training. For example, if you have law enforcement experience, you can earn a degree in psychology to become a forensic psychologist. If you prefer to do research and are interested in public policy, you can earn a master's in applied intelligence to become an intelligence analyst.
| Job | Average Salary (2024) |
|---|---|
| Forensic Science Technician | $50,570 |
| Criminal Profiler | $58,160 |
| Intelligence Analyst | $77,630 |
| Forensic Psychologist | $78,990 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Criminal Investigator
How long does it take to become a criminal investigator?
Becoming a criminal investigator can take 3-6 years, depending on your jurisdiction. Some law enforcement agencies require criminal investigators to complete at least two years of college, whereas others accept applicants with just a high school diploma. Federal criminal investigators must have a bachelor's degree, as well as two years of professional experience.
How do you become a criminal investigator for the FBI?
To be a criminal investigator for the FBI, known as an FBI special agent, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 23-37
- Hold a valid driver's license
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution
- Meet FBI special agent fitness requirements
- Be able to meet Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented security clearance
What is the highest salary for a criminal investigator?
The highest 10% of earners among police and detectives earned a median of $109,580 in 2022, according to the BLS. However, criminal investigator salaries can vary depending on the level of experience, geographical location, and the type of agency they work for.
What is it like being a criminal investigator?
The work environment for a criminal investigator can be demanding and intense. As an investigator, you'll spend a significant amount of time at crime scenes, which can sometimes be physically unsafe or unsanitary. You must be prepared to work long shifts, including on-call hours during nights, weekends, and holidays.
Your work will also often involve wearing protective clothing and handling heavy equipment. You may have to work in all types of weather and environments. As technology evolves, you are also required to continually learn and adapt to new investigative methodologies.
What degree do you need to become a criminal investigator?
At a minimum, you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent to become a criminal investigator. However, this is typically just the starting point, and you'll need additional education or training to advance in this career.
The best type of degree for becoming a criminal investigator is an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in criminal justice, psychology, a foreign language, or computer science. For federal government positions, you may need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or in similar fields like criminology or psychology.
