North Carolina ranks 47th of 50 states and D.C. for detectives and criminal investigators pay, trailing top-paying Maryland ($125,630) by $63,150 — a 101% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $49,820 to $134,870 — a $85,050 spread, 19% tighter than the national $105,250 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 2.9% of all detectives and criminal investigators in the country (3,240 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $49,820 | $23.95 |
| 25th percentile | $56,280 | $27.06 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $62,480 | $30.04 |
| 75th percentile | $80,020 | $38.47 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $134,870 | $64.84 |
| Mean (average) | $75,320 | $36.21 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $62,480 | n/a |
| Maryland | $125,630 | +101% |
| California | $122,140 | +95% |
| Alaska | $121,140 | +94% |
| Washington | $116,450 | +86% |
| New Jersey | $113,830 | +82% |
| Hawaii | $112,100 | +79% |
| Massachusetts | $111,460 | +78% |
| Virginia | $110,220 | +76% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel | $62,470 | 42,050 |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | $62,200 | 4,810 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $62,190 | 2,180 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $61,990 | 2,280 |
| Fundraisers | $62,990 | 3,520 |
| Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers | $61,830 | 5,770 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in North Carolina?
The mean detectives and criminal investigators salary in North Carolina is $75,320 per year. The median (middle) salary is $62,480 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina?
Entry-level detectives and criminal investigatorss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $49,820 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $56,280 per year.
What is the highest Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $134,870 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $80,020 per year.
How does the North Carolina Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary compare to the national average?
The median detectives and criminal investigators salary in North Carolina is $62,480, which is -33% below national average of $93,580.