upper level job

How much does a Criminal Investigator make in Java, SD?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Criminal Investigator in Java, SD is $69,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, a Criminal Investigator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $89,272
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,728 to $79,945
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $56,379

Key Factors That Influence Criminal Investigator Salaries

A Criminal Investigator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Criminal Investigator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Criminal Investigator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Criminal Investigator (0-0 years): $69,700
  • Police Sergeant (0-5 years): $76,643
  • Police Lieutenant (5+ years): $98,357
  • Sheriff/Police Chief (5-10 years): $119,779
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Criminal Investigator0-0 years$69,700
Police Sergeant0-5 years$76,643
Police Lieutenant5+ years$98,357
Sheriff/Police Chief5-10 years$119,779

Top Paying Cities for Criminal Investigator

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $95,847
  • San Francisco: $94,798
  • Oakland: $92,800

What Skills Can Increase a Criminal Investigator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.02% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Forensics (Mentioned in 2.98% Job Postings): Forensics is a scientific tests or techniques used in connection with the detection of crime. Use of analytical and scientific techniques to examine evidence from crimes and prepare legal statements that summarize the results for court cases.
  • Microsoft Office (Mentioned in 1.35% Job Postings): Microsoft Office is a suite of desktop productivity applications that is designed by Microsoft for business use. You can create documents containing text and images, work with data in spreadsheets and databases, create presentations and posters.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.02%
Forensics 2.98%
Microsoft Office 1.35%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Criminal Investigator's salary.

  • Due Diligence: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Prioritization: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Due Diligence $77,368
11%
Prioritization $74,579
7%
Consulting $73,882
6%

Criminal Investigator Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Criminal Investigator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $71,931. While startup companies pay approximate $61,463.

Criminal Investigator Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $61,463
Growth Stage 51~500 $64,848
Established 501~5000 $69,634
Enterprise 5000+ $71,931

Criminal Investigator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Criminal Investigator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$62,728
Average $69,700/year
$79,945
$5,227
Average $5,808/month
$6,662
$1,206
Average $1,340/week
$1,537
$30
Average $34/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $79,945 $6,662 $1,537 $38
Average $69,700 $5,808 $1,340 $34
25th Percentile $62,728 $5,227 $1,206 $30

Criminal Investigator Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Criminal Investigator, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Criminal Investigator Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Fire Captain $78,354 12%
EMT/Paramedic Supervisor $60,062 -14%
Police Sergeant $76,643 10%

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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