Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Salary

What is the Pay by Experience Level for Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)s?

Entry Level

▼9%

▲1%

▲3%

▲16%

▲12%

What Do Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)s Do?

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.

Job Satisfaction for Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)

4 out of 5

(32)

Highly Satisfied

1Review

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Gender Breakdown

Female

58.1%

Male

41.9%

This data is based on 86 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.

Common Health Benefits

Medical

89%

Dental

81%

Vision

72%

None

10%

The average salary for a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) is $48,147.

10%

$35k

MEDIAN

$48k

90%

$79k

Salary

$35k - $79k

Bonus

$485 - $10k

Profit Sharing

$263 - $21k

Total Pay

$33k - $76k

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What Do Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)s Do?

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.

Job Satisfaction for Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)

4 out of 5

(32)

Highly Satisfied

1Review

Career Paths

Explore the most common career paths for Crime Scene Investigator (CSI). Thickness and color of lines indicates popularity of movement from one job to the next. Visit our career path planner to research other job paths.

Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)

Security Supervisor

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More common (> 20%)

Somewhat common (8 - 20%)

Less common (< 8%)

Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Job Listings

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Job Title / Company

Location

What Are Popular Skills for Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)s?

Forensics

$49,203

118 responses

Criminal

$48,068

60 responses

Training

$45,568

40 responses

Medical Photography

$46,295

28 responses

Data Analysis

$45,789

24 responses

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

What is the Pay by Experience Level for Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)s?

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 $43,897 based on 46 salaries. An early career Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $48,643 based on 136 salaries. A mid-career Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $49,818 based on 50 salaries. An experienced Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $55,846 based on 47 salaries. In their late career (20 years and higher), employees earn an average total compensation of $54,000.

Pay Difference by Location

Learn more about cost of living by city.

Los Angeles, California

▲8%

▼0%

▼1%

▼1%

▼4%

▼7%

▼17%

Employees with Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) in their job title in Los Angeles, California earn an average of 8.1% more than the national average. The lowest salaries can be found in Las Vegas, Nevada (16.9% less), Atlanta, Georgia (7.3% less) and Miami, Florida (3.5% less).