Crime Scene Investigator Career & Salary Outlook

CSI is more than the title of a top-rated, long-running television show with spinoffs galore; it also happens to be a very viable and very popular career field.

Many of those interested in crime scene investigation start down the path because of things read in books or seen on television or in the movies. Of course, the actual career of a crime scene investigator is not precisely the same as those portrayed on television. However, it is still a very exciting career that calls to many and is worth exploring for those drawn to it.

A CSI agent, a title that’s interchangeable with a crime scene investigator, has many responsibilities at a crime scene. They will walk through the crime scene, look for evidence, and collect it using a precise methodology that protects it from contamination. A CSI agent may also be tasked with taking photos of the scene and making sketches for later recreation and presentation in court.

Some of the types of evidence that a CSI agent is likely to collect at crime scenes include fingerprints, bodily fluids, and weapons. When a CSI agent collects the evidence, they also catalog it before transferring it to a lab. Crime scene investigators also have to present their findings to others on their team, attorneys, and trials in many cases. The work schedule of an investigator can vary. Crime never sleeps, so it is common to have to work in the evenings and on holidays.

While the responsibilities of a crime scene investigator are similar to police detectives, aspiring CSI agents wonder: what does the job demand look like for crime scene investigators in the coming years? And how much do CSI agents make?

Read on to learn more about the career and salary outlook for CSI investigators.

Meet the Expert: Jason Brooks, VMD, PhD

Dr. Jason Brooks is a veterinary pathologist and a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). He serves as a teaching professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the director of the forensic science program at Penn State University.

Dr. Brooks has vast experience studying the effects of gunshots and medicolegal death investigations.

ForensicsColleges.com: You have wide-ranging experience in forensics, including a research focus on the effects of gunshots. Can you say a bit about the kinds of questions you investigated as part of this work, and what kind of problems forensic experts run into when dealing with the effects of firearms?

Dr. Brooks: Gunshot wounds are a common occurrence in both humans and animals around the world the ability to analyze and interpret evidence associated with gunshot wounds is of critical importance in forensic investigations. One common consideration in the analysis of gunshot wounds is estimating the range of fire, which is the distance between the firearm and the target. We are often asked to determine the range of fire for wounds inflicted on victims, but this is a complex and difficult task.

One of the complicating factors, especially when interpreting range of fire in animal victims, is the interference caused by dense body hair. We have analyzed numerous methods of wound examination in order to better understand the effects of body hair on gunshot pathology, taking into consideration such factors as hair density, hair length, hair color, and others. We are currently working to refine methods so they are repeatable, affordable, and practical.

ForensicsColleges.com: You’ve sat on the Board of Directors for the International Veterinary Forensic Sciences Association and have devoted a lot of your career to this subject. I imagine many of our readers will be hearing about the intersection of forensics and veterinary science for the first time. Could you explain a little bit about what it looks like?

Dr. Brooks: Over the past one to two decades, science and society have finally developed a strong recognition of the association between violence toward animals and other forms of domestic violence. It is now very well documented that these various forms of violence are associated and often co-exist in households and that children who are exposed to such forms of violence often grow to commit violent acts. Therefore, any means by which animal abuse may be detected and prosecuted should also be considered as a means of combating other forms of domestic abuse.

The principles of forensic medicine and pathology are the same regardless of whether the victim being examined is human or non-human. For this reason, the recently developed sub-disciplines of veterinary forensic medicine and veterinary forensic pathology have grown from the foundations of human healthcare and have been incorporated into the field of veterinary medicine for application in animal crimes cases. The growing body of practitioners in these disciplines have assisted courts of law in countless cases of alleged animal crimes. By prosecuting those who commit crimes against animals, our hope is that we will identify those individuals who commit violent crimes and allow them to be appropriately rehabilitated so as to reduce the incidence of all forms of domestic violence and its propagation in the home.

ForensicsColleges.com: Many of our readers are interested in a career in forensics. Are there any specializations that you find particularly exciting, or areas where you predict a significant amount of growth over the coming years?

Dr. Brooks: Forensic science is an ever-changing rapidly developing umbrella of disciplines all reaching toward a common goal. Even to the non-scientist casual observer, it is fascinating to consider the history and the development of this set of scientific disciplines from their very rudimentary beginnings to their highly advanced stages at present day.

At some point in the future, we will almost certainly look back upon the methods of today and reflect upon how much additional progress was made. It is an exciting field with many opportunities. Some of the areas in which particular development is expected in the near future may include digital forensics and artificial intelligence; omics techniques such as genomics, proteomics, microbiomics; and nanotechnology.

A field in which there is a desperate need for additional practitioners is that of forensic pathology. Of course, we expect further development in mainstream forensic disciplines such as forensic biology (DNA), forensic chemistry, and crime scene investigation. Furthermore, there is a call by some groups for the reemergence of the generalist in forensic science. In short, the field is expecting significant growth in coming years, and many competent scientists are needed to fill these roles.

Career Outlook and Salary for Crime Scene Investigators

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) does not distinguish crime scene investigators from forensic science technicians for their data collection purposes. That being said, the BLS estimates that both occupations will be in demand between 2022 and 2032, with forensic science technicians experiencing a higher rate of growth than the current national average for all occupations (13 percent).

Police and detective careers are projected to grow at 4 percent nationally, adding 28,700 new positions in the coming decade (2023-2033), adding to the existing 796,800 jobs (BLS 2024). By comparison, forensic science technicians will grow 14 percent—more than three times the growth rate for all occupations—representing the creation of 2,500 new jobs in the same period. While not all of these jobs will be specific to crime scene investigation, some certainly will.

Because of the popularity of the field, those who enter it will likely find stiff competition for jobs. Those who have more education, such as a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a similar field, such as criminal justice, or those who have experience working with law enforcement in another capacity, may have an advantage when looking for and finding CSI agent positions.

How many crime scene investigators are currently employed? The International Crime Scene Investigators Association (ICSIA) states that over 18,000 police agencies are in the country, but few hire full-time civilian CSIs. Most, but not all, full-time CSIs begin their careers as sworn-in police officers and work their way towards specialized work in crime scene investigation.

In October 2024, PayScale reported the aggregated salary profiles of 174 crime scene investigators. By comparison, the BLS (May 2023) shows that 106,730 detectives and criminal investigators were employed.

These numbers are approximations but can be an excellent place to start when considering the demand for this position. Smaller agencies may need specialists, and officers often take care of many of the duties a specialist would in different locales. This means that the competition could be fierce for these jobs, so aspiring CSIs are advised to seek out education and training opportunities to increase their job prospects.

But how much do CSI agents make? The answer depends on the educational pathway and professional experience. Regardless of how they begin their careers, crime scene investigators must consider the salary and the potential to make a good living over multiple years in a job.

To factor in the cross-over in responsibilities and titles, occupational data for police, detectives, and forensic science technicians are used to determine salary data accurately. According to the BLS, in May 2023, police and detectives earned median annual salaries of $74,910 per year (BLS May 2023), while forensic science technicians earned median salaries of $64,940 (BLS May 2023).

As with most positions, salaries vary widely based on experience and location. The BLS indicates the following salary percentiles for detectives and criminal investigators (BLS May 2023):

• Employment: 106730
• Annual mean wage: $95,930
• 10th percentile: $50,670
• 25th percentile: $64,830
• 50th percentile (median): $91,100
• 75th percentile: $116,170
• 90th percentile: $154,360

Salary percentiles for forensic science technicians were comparable. The BLS indicates the following salary percentiles for forensic science technicians (BLS May 2023):

• Employment: 17,520
• Annual mean wage: $71,540
• 10th percentile: $41,410
• 25th percentile: $50,480
• 50th percentile (median): $64,940
• 75th percentile: $84,720
• 90th percentile: $107,490

As mentioned above, PayScale.com aggregates self-reported salary data and reports position-specific salary data for CSIs. Among the 174 CSIs who reported their salaries to this site, the annual median wage for crime scene investigators was $54,313 (PayScale 2024). The lower 10 percent earned $40,000, and the upper 10 percent earned $74,000.

The available data shows that a CSI makes somewhat less on average than a forensic science technician. Of course, this comparison also does not negate that CSIs working in more urban areas or with more experience are likely to make more than their more rural or less experienced counterparts.

Cost of living influences salary data and aspiring CSI agents are encouraged to use tools such as the cost of living data series provided by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2024) when considering job offers. A job in a Georgia city could be more cost-effective given that living expenses such as food, housing, transportation, and utilities are statistically cheaper in this state.

How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator

As discussed above, there is no one-size-fits-all path to pursuing a career as a crime scene investigator. In particular, those interested in the job will need to decide whether they wish to seek a law enforcement officer position or try to be hired as a civilian CSI. Below are some of the most common steps followed towards the CSI career.

• Step 1: Graduate high school or earn a GED (four years) – A high school diploma is required for any path into this career. If possible, high school students should seek to intern or volunteer for a local police department to determine if this is their career path.
• Step 2: Consider attending a police academy (less than one year) – At least half of full-time CSIs are law enforcement officers, according to the ICSIA, making this a viable path into the career. The police academy typically does not require any education beyond high school and will teach cadets the basics of community policing, including self-defense, proper protocol, and the fundamentals of investigation. To be eligible for admissions, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has four qualifications: an applicant must be 20 years old at the time of application and 21 years old at the time of graduation, hold a high school diploma or two-year associate’s degree, be a US citizen, and pass a criminal background check.
• Step 3: Earn a crime scene technician certificate (timeline varies) – To earn specialized experience in crime scene investigation, high school graduates, two-year degree holders, and police officers can enroll in an online certificate program. An example program is the online crime scene technician certificate offered by Purdue University Global. This 41-credit program teaches students the analytical procedures, documentation, collection, and preservation processes required to become a crime scene technician. Several start dates are offered throughout the year, and students can expect to spend 15 to 18 hours per week on their studies. This program costs $371 per credit.
• Step 4: Pursue a bachelor’s degree (four years) – Those who do not wish to take the law enforcement path should certainly consider earning a bachelor’s degree, preferably in forensic science or criminal justice. Arizona State University offers an online bachelor of science program in criminology and criminal justice that prepares graduates for various complex criminal justice positions, including crime scene investigators. Students take classes in criminology, statistical analysis, research methods, and criminal justice crime control policies and practices. Students can complete this degree in four years.
• Step 5: Obtain entry-level experience (timeline varies) – After graduating either from the police academy or a bachelor’s degree program, it is time to get hands-on experience in crime scene investigation. Brand new law enforcement officers likely will not have much say in where they are placed, but expressing an interest in CSI and volunteering to take on this role can lead to on-the-job training and ultimately more responsibility. Job search sites such as Indeed can help job seekers find open positions in cities across the United States. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) shares job postings for those interested in the forensic science field and who are considering it as a career.

Overall, the timeline to getting started in this career depends heavily on whether one chooses the law enforcement or bachelor’s degree route. Because a police academy typically takes less than a year to complete, this could be the more direct route. However, earning a bachelor’s degree may give new CSI agents an advantage in the future to pursue other avenues of work.

Crime Scene Investigator Tasks & Responsibilities

Perhaps the most essential skill for a crime scene investigator is staying calm and composed at a crime scene. Those who pursue work in crime scene investigation have to maintain objectivity and focus on disturbing crime scenes, so having the ability to maintain professionalism in the face of chaos or violence is important. Attention to detail, as well as problem-solving skills, are vital tools to have as well. Excellent communication skills – written and verbal – are important for writing reports, speaking with team members, and testifying in court.

While every crime and every crime scene will be different, the reality is that the rigorous processes put into place by investigators, including CSI agents, ensure every crime is investigated thoroughly and accurately. On a regular basis, crime scene investigators:

• Use available evidence to reconstruct a crime scene
• Take photos and make sketches of a crime scene
• Record details about the crime scene that cannot be accurately collected and taken to the lab
• Determine where and if a crime took place based on evidence
• Maintain chain of custody for crime scene evidence when delivering to the forensic lab
• Catalog all evidence collected for future prosecution
• Create detailed reports of evidence collected
• Track and monitor the evidence-collection process
• Testify as to their findings in court
• Conduct evidentiary interviews with witnesses
• Collect evidence for DNA analysis to prove innocence or guilt

The tasks that CSIs will find themselves doing depend on their experience level. New CSIs will likely spend more time physically collecting and tagging the mountains of evidence found at a crime scene or even working in the evidence storage room to ensure things are organized. With time, CSI agents will spend more time recreating crime scenes, working with detectives, and supervising evidence collection.

Professional Certification and Licensure for Crime Scene Investigators

Law enforcement officers are subject to location-specific education and training requirements.

Again, certification is not strictly required to earn a job in the CSI field. However, it can lend credibility to a CSI’s proficiency and increase promotion opportunities. Some notable organizations offer crime scene investigation certifications that may be useful in advancing in the CSI career, including:

• International Association for Identification (IAI): The IAI offers four separate certifications for crime scene investigators: Certified Crime Scene Investigator, Certified Crime Scene Analyst, Certified Crime Scene Reconstructionist, and Certified Senior Crime Scene Investigator. Each of these certifications comes with its own set of requirements, available on the IAI website. For IAI members, certification fees are $300, and for non-members, the cost is $400.

Again, certification is not strictly required to earn a job or a promotion in the crime scene investigation field; however, it can lend credibility to a CSIs expertise and may be worth pursuing after gaining some experience in the field.