A crime scene investigator or CSI is responsible for collecting every piece of detail from the crime scene and interpreting it in documents. A CSI has to gather every segment of evidence obtained at a particular crime scene. The CSI is selected by law enforcement or the Government. Any person, with good knowledge related to the field, can also practice the job. These experts have a say in the courtroom or trials while presenting the subsequent evidence. Let us know about “Salaries For Crime Scene Investigator”
In the US, the average salary of a crime scene investigator starts from $48,534 and increases with experience. Crime scene investigator gets a bonus of $2,730, which is nearly 6% of their salary. Salaries of Crime Investigators differ from state to state. In San Francisco, an average CSI earns about $71,664. While an experienced CSI in Washington, DC makes about $64,651 a year.
Salary Range For CSI In Different States
- Boston, MA
The crime rate in Boston stands at 37.3% under violent crimes, which provides more employment opportunities for Crime Scene Investigators. The Boston State government gives $54,356 salary per annum, which is more than the US average basic pay. The base salary is $51,356 and $3,000 with a bonus as of 2021. An amateur CSI earns about $15,007. An experienced CSI can make up to $126,690, followed by a medium salary of $48,594.
- New York, NY
The average US basic pay for a crime scene investigator is $48,534 per annum. The basic salary in New York is $50,974 per annum, which is 5% more than the US Average. It includes the base salary ($47,774) plus the bonus ($3,200). The pay of a Crime Scene Investigator range from $13,645 (an amateur CSI) to $121,144 (an experienced CSI). While the medium salary is $47,795.
- Los Angeles, CA
An average CSI in Los Angeles makes $50,195, which is 3% more than the actual base salary. It includes a base salary of $47,193 and a bonus of $3,200. The pay in Los Angeles ranges from $11,659 to $174,263. While the medium salary is $42,125.
- Denver, CO
An average CSI in Denver makes $53,710, which is 11% more than the US Average and 3% more than the other metropolitan cities. The US average is about $48,534. The average salary range starts from $18,518 and ends at $98,456. While the medium salary is $49,782.
- Chicago, IL
An average CSI in Chicago makes $53,182, which is 10% more than the US Average and 10% less than the other metropolitan cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Atlanta. The US average is about $48,534. The average salary range starts from $14,257 and ends at $137,576. While the medium salary is $47,773. The base salary is $50,266 plus a $2,916 worth of bonus.
- Seattle, WA
The basic pay in Seattle is $51,788 per annum, which is 7% more than the US Average ($48,534) and 23% less than the combined salary of the metros. It includes the base salary of $48,843 plus the bonus of $2,945. The pay of a Crime Scene Investigator range from $21,716 (an amateur CSI) to $106,761 (an experienced CSI). While the medium salary is $46,117.
- Atlanta, GA
An average CSI in Atlanta makes $52,168, which is 7% more than the US Average and 1% less than the other metropolitan cities like Chicago, Dallas, and New York. The average salary range starts from $18,288 and ends at $100,431. While the medium salary is $46,868. The base salary is $49,504 plus a $2,664 worth of bonus.
- Dallas, TX
An average CSI in Chicago makes $53,949, which is 11% more than the US Average and 11% less than the combined other metropolitan cities like San Francisco, Denver, and Chicago. The US average is about $48,534. The average salary range starts from $16,480 and ends at $151,764. While the medium salary is $46,764. The base salary is $51,220 plus a $2,729 worth of bonus.
- Portland, OR
An average CSI in Portland makes $47,161, which is 3% lower than the actual US average and 27% less than the combined salary of other metros. The base salary is $44,447 and the bonus is $2,715. The pay in Portland ranges from $20,461 to $100,519. While the medium salary is $40,926.
Crime Scene Investigator Statistics
The Female Crime Scene Investigators’ percentage in the US is about 39.0%. While the Male Crime Scene Investigators percentage is 61.0%. According to a recent survey, the yearly income of Female Investigators is $51,216. The average salary of male investigators is $55,998. The white race is the most common ethnicity 66.2%, followed by Hispanic 18.1% and 10.2% of Black or African American Crime Scene Investigators. Asians are about 2.5%. American Indians are 0.4%.
How To Become A CSI?
The first step is to get a proper Bachelor’s Degree related to Criminal Justice, Computer Science, or Biology. Receiving a degree will bring you a step closer to becoming a professional CSI. Once you complete your degree in a required field, the next step is to work as an assistant to CSI. It will provide you with exposure related to the field, it will also help you choose between a forensic technician or any other desired position. After having a certain amount of experience, you can apply for a CSI certificate and State license.
The Bottom Line
A Crime Scene Investigator has a desirable job. For career growth, you can opt for further education or change departments within police enforcement. It will help you with better exposure and sharpen your skills. They are given promotions through ranks and positions like a lieutenant, captain, detectives, etc. As the rank and experience increase, CSI is appointed by the government to work with the FBI or any other government agencies.
FAQs
- What is the salary of a CSI from Portland?
The average salary of CSI in Portland is $47,161, which is 3% less than the US Average.
- How much does a forensic technician earn?
According to PayScale, a forensic technician earns up to an average of $57,854 per year.
- What is the average salary of CSI from Austin, TX?
The average salary of a CSI in Austin is $45,537, which is 6% less than the US Average of $48,534.
