Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Salary

The average salary for a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) is $46,810.

10%

$33k

MEDIAN

$47k

90%

$78k

Salary

$33k - $78k

Bonus

$485 - $10k

Profit Sharing

$263 - $21k

Total Pay

$32k - $75k

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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

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)

3.9 out of 5

(32)

Highly Satisfied

1Review

Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Job Listings

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

Forensics

$49,656

112 responses

Criminal

$48,104

57 responses

Training

$45,568

39 responses

Medical Photography

$46,295

26 responses

Data Analysis

$45,789

24 responses

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

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 $42,732 based on 48 salaries. An early career Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $46,432 based on 144 salaries. A mid-career Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $50,433 based on 48 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

▲11%

▲2%

▲1%

▼1%

▼2%

▼15%

▼15%

Employees with Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) in their job title in Los Angeles, California earn an average of 11.2% more than the national average. These job titles also find higher than average salaries in Orlando, Florida (1.9% more) and Dallas, Texas (1.5% more). The lowest salaries can be found in Las Vegas, Nevada (14.5% less), Atlanta, Georgia (14.5% less) and Houston, Texas (1.9% less).