As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Investigator I in the United States is $78,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Investigator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Investigator I'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Investigator I'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Investigator I | $74,531 |
| Intermediate Level Investigator I | $75,115 |
| Senior Level Investigator I | $76,283 |
| Specialist Level Investigator I | $80,089 |
| Expert Level Investigator I | $84,027 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Investigator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.02% |
| Forensics | 2.98% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.35% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Due Diligence
|
$87,568 |
11%
|
|
Prioritization
|
$84,412 |
7%
|
|
Consulting
|
$83,624 |
6%
|
|
Cost Control
|
$83,624 |
6%
|
|
AML
|
$82,835 |
5%
|
|
Analysis
|
$82,046 |
4%
|
Understanding how an Investigator I'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for an Investigator I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $91,661 in 2023 to around $90,608 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Investigator I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $91,661 |
| 2024 | $91,528 |
| 2025 | $90,608 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Investigator I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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