If you’ve ever wondered: “What is a homicide detective?” and are interested in pursuing a career in this field, you’ve come to the right place. While you may spend most of your days behind a desk, you must have an eye for detail and the ability to pursue leads. In addition to strong analytical skills, a homicide detective must be able to work in courtrooms.
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Homicide Detective Salary of USA 2023
Many people wonder how much a Homicide Detective makes. Here are some basic facts to keep in mind. This position requires the right education and training. A homicide detective salary is considerably higher than that of a regular police officer. However, the role also carries some risks. A homicide detective may be required to work long hours, leave their families, and be subject to intense pressure. To be considered for this position, you must be a well-rounded individual with a keen eye for crime scene investigation.
Most homicide detectives work full-time hours, with some overtime required. Their work schedules may vary based on the police department. Some detectives work varying shifts and must be available at any time if a homicide is reported. Homicide detective salaries may vary greatly, and are dependent on experience and training. The majority of homicide detectives work in local police departments, where they work in shifts, and are responsible for investigating the deaths of victims and suspects of crime. A homicide detective salary will likely depend on the state or municipality’s budget.
To apply for a position as a homicide detective, you must have a high school diploma or the equivalent, and have completed training in criminal justice or a related professional field. As a police officer, you must be a citizen of the United States and pass physical requirements. Some police departments pay higher than others, and some may require graduate degrees. As a general rule, however, the minimum qualification for becoming a homicide detective is a high school diploma.
A Homicide Detective in the United States earns a salary range of $57,630 to $76,586 per year.
| Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | |
| Top Earners | $77,714 | $37 |
| Average | $55,526 | $26 |
A homicide detective in Los Angeles, California, earns how much?
The annual average salary for a Homicide Detective in Los Angeles is $55,526. When calculated on an hourly basis, it comes out to approximately $26.70 per hour. This is equivalent to $1,067 per week or $4,627 per month.
How much does a homicide detective earn in New York?
The annual average salary for a Homicide Detective in New York is $54,342. If you need a simple salary calculator, it would be approximately $26.13 per hour. This is equivalent to $1,045 per week or $4,528 per month.
| State Name | Average Salary |
| New Jersey Homicide Detective Salary | $99,880 |
| New York Homicide Detective Salary | $99,630 |
| Hawaii Homicide Detective Salary | $99,580 |
| Colorado Homicide Detective Salary | $97,980 |
| Massachusetts Homicide Detective Salary | $97,980 |
| Illinois Homicide Detective Salary | $97,300 |
| Connecticut Homicide Detective Salary | $94,670 |
| Virginia Homicide Detective Salary | $93,520 |
| Vermont Homicide Detective Salary | $91,580 |
| Arizona Homicide Detective Salary | $91,350 |
| Puerto Rico Homicide Detective Salary | $88,880 |
| Montana Homicide Detective Salary | $83,640 |
| Michigan Homicide Detective Salary | $81,850 |
| Wisconsin Homicide Detective Salary | $81,850 |
| Texas Homicide Detective Salary | $81,170 |
| New Hampshire Homicide Detective Salary | $80,140 |
| Iowa Homicide Detective Salary | $78,710 |
| Minnesota Homicide Detective Salary | $78,670 |
| Pennsylvania Homicide Detective Salary | $78,540 |
| Nevada Homicide Detective Salary | $78,330 |
| Rhode Island Homicide Detective Salary | $78,330 |
| West Virginia Homicide Detective Salary | $78,250 |
| Ohio Homicide Detective Salary | $77,580 |
| Delaware Homicide Detective Salary | $77,480 |
| New Mexico Homicide Detective Salary | $77,480 |
| Maine Homicide Detective Salary | $76,910 |
| North Dakota Homicide Detective Salary | $76,730 |
| Nebraska Homicide Detective Salary | $73,550 |
| Utah Homicide Detective Salary | $69,010 |
| Wyoming Homicide Detective Salary | $68,730 |
| Florida Homicide Detective Salary | $67,930 |
| Idaho Homicide Detective Salary | $64,610 |
| Kentucky Homicide Detective Salary | $64,610 |
| South Dakota Homicide Detective Salary | $63,960 |
| Alabama Homicide Detective Salary | $62,380 |
| Oklahoma Homicide Detective Salary | $61,190 |
| Tennessee Homicide Detective Salary | $61,190 |
| Indiana Homicide Detective Salary | $60,850 |
| Georgia Homicide Detective Salary | $60,550 |
| Missouri Homicide Detective Salary | $60,520 |
| Kansas Homicide Detective Salary | $60,500 |
| Louisiana Homicide Detective Salary | $57,660 |
| North Carolina Homicide Detective Salary | $55,910 |
| South Carolina Homicide Detective Salary | $51,770 |
| Mississippi Homicide Detective Salary | $48,040 |
| Arkansas Homicide Detective Salary | $47,580 |
| District of Columbia Homicide Detective Salary | $133,930 |
| Alaska Homicide Detective Salary | $133,600 |
| Maryland Homicide Detective Salary | $113,360 |
| California Homicide Detective Salary | $104,060 |
| Washington Homicide Detective Salary | $101,860 |
| Oregon Homicide Detective Salary | $100,330 |
How to Become a Homicide Detective?
To become a homicide detective, it may not be necessary to obtain a diploma, but it can be beneficial. All prospective detectives are required to enroll in a police academy, but the requirements for doing so vary by state and individual academy. Most academies only require a high school diploma or GED to enroll, but some may require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Regardless of the requirements of the police academy, having a diploma can make you stand out as a candidate. Degrees in related subjects such as criminology, criminal justice, forensic science, psychology, and more can be particularly advantageous.
You can choose to apply for jobs at local police departments or state patrols. However, to work as a police officer, you will need to complete your initial training through a police academy. This training is rigorous and will teach you the fundamentals of being an effective police officer. The duration of the training varies depending on the academy, but most programs take approximately six months to complete.
To be promoted to detective within the police organization, you need to have sufficient experience as a police officer. The speed at which you can be promoted depends on your experience and performance. As mentioned in the first step, having a relevant degree can help accelerate your rank advancement.
As a police officer, by dedicating time, performing well, and showing interest in future detective work, you will prepare yourself for success and eventually promote to the role of a detective.
