Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Salary

The average salary for a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) is $45,816.

10%

50%

90%

MEDIAN $45,816

Salary

$33k - $77k

Bonus

$302 - $10k

Profit Sharing

$0 - $3k

Total Pay

$32k - $75k

Your Market Worth Over Time

How has your pay changed over time for your market? Find out by taking our salary quiz.

Get a free salary report »

Job Description for Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)

A crime scene investigator (CSI) is responsible for securing and examining details left at the scene of a crime. They are responsible for sorting through evidence and details to assist prosecutors in building a case. This person must be precise and meticulous, as protocols must be followed in a detailed and organized fashion. Tasks performed include lifting and collecting fingerprints, collecting and documenting trace evidence of DNA, determining time and cause of death in homicides, examining …Read more

Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Tasks

Investigate the cause and manner of death in cases of unattended natural death, accident, suicide, or homicide.
Assist the administrative manager with work plans, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions.
Supervise and monitor the work of forensic investigators, interns and volunteers and facilitate training.
Determine what scenes to investigate and what evidence to examine and/or collect while conducting follow up on each case.
Conduct interviews with family members, law enforcement personnel, medical professionals and others regarding circumstances of death.

Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Job Listings

Popular Skills for Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)

Forensics

$49,460

59 responses

Training

$45,145

23 responses

Criminal

$46,736

22 responses

Data Analysis

$45,781

17 responses

Medical Photography

$55,160

14 responses

Skills in Forensics, Criminal and Medical Photography are correlated to pay that is above average. Skills that pay less than market rate include Data Analysis and Training.

Pay by Experience Level for Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)

An entry-level Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of $41,512 based on 116 salaries. An early career Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $44,574 based on 145 salaries. A mid-career Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $51,668 based on 56 salaries. An experienced Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $51,923 based on 43 salaries. In their late career (20 years and higher), employees earn an average total compensation of $52,830.

Pay Difference by Location

Learn more about cost of living by city.

Los Angeles, California

▲19%

▲17%

▲9%

▲4%

▲4%

▼13%

▼24%

Employees with Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) in their job title in Los Angeles, California earn an average of 18.9% more than the national average. These job titles also find higher than average salaries in Miami, Florida (16.8% more) and Houston, Texas (9.0% more). The lowest salaries can be found in Florida, Florida (23.6% less) and Atlanta, Georgia (12.7% less).