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$30.5K

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How much do collision investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for collision investigator in the United States is $70,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Collision Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Collision Investigator, you need a solid background in accident reconstruction, evidence collection, and investigative techniques, often supported by law enforcement experience or certifications in traffic crash investigation. Familiarity with specialized software like CAD programs, crash data retrieval tools, and digital photography equipment is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help investigators interpret evidence and present findings clearly. These skills are crucial for accurately determining the causes of collisions and supporting legal proceedings or safety improvements.

What are some typical challenges Collision Investigators face when gathering evidence at accident scenes?

Collision Investigators often encounter challenges such as preserving evidence in busy or hazardous environments, working under time constraints to clear roadways, and dealing with adverse weather conditions that can alter or obscure critical details. They must also coordinate effectively with law enforcement, emergency responders, and sometimes distressed individuals at the scene. Attention to detail and strong communication skills are essential to ensure all relevant data—such as skid marks, vehicle positioning, and witness statements—are accurately collected and documented.

What is a Collision Investigator?

A Collision Investigator is a professional responsible for examining and analyzing road traffic accidents to determine their causes and contributing factors. They collect evidence from the scene, interview witnesses, and use technical tools to reconstruct incidents. Their work helps law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and legal teams understand how and why collisions happen, which can inform legal proceedings and improve road safety. Collision Investigators often have backgrounds in law enforcement or engineering and are skilled in both fieldwork and technical analysis.

What is the difference between Collision Investigator vs Accident Reconstruction Specialist?

AspectCollision InvestigatorAccident Reconstruction Specialist
Required CredentialsForensic training, certifications in accident investigationEngineering background, certifications in accident reconstruction
Work EnvironmentCrime scenes, accident sites, forensic labsCrash sites, laboratories, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement, government agenciesInsurance companies, law firms, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both Collision Investigators and Accident Reconstruction Specialists analyze vehicle accidents, Collision Investigators focus on crime scene analysis and forensic evidence, often working within law enforcement. Accident Reconstruction Specialists typically have engineering backgrounds and reconstruct accidents to determine causes, often for legal or insurance purposes. Both roles require specialized certifications and share similar work environments, but their primary focus and employer types differ.

More about Collision Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Collision Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Collision Investigator job openings:
What states have the most Collision Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Collision Investigator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Collision Investigator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Collision Investigator jobs are:
Collision Investigator jobs near you
Investigative Staff - Special Investigator I - Index Crime

Investigative Staff - Special Investigator I - Index Crime

Nassau County District Attorney

Mineola, NY • On-site

$90.69K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

About the Nassau County District Attorney
The Nassau County District Attorney's Office investigates and prosecutes violations of state and local criminal statutes occurring within Nassau County. With nearly 200 attorneys and a total staff in excess of 400, the Nassau County District Attorney's Office is one of the largest district attorney's offices in the country. Situated on Long Island, immediately to the east of New York City, the office is committed to hiring the most qualified attorneys, investigators and support staff. The office is dedicated to constant philosophical and technological modernization and looks forward to implementing ever-changing strategies that allow it to stay one step ahead of criminal behavior.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Performs investigative work collecting evidence for the Office of the District Attorney; performs related duties as required.
COMPLEXITY OF DUTIES
Under general supervision, performs investigative work collecting and assisting in the preparation of evidence for the orderly presentation by the District Attorney to the Grand Jury.
TYPICAL DUTIES
*1. Performs investigative work collecting and assisting in the preparation of evidence
for routine criminal proceedings for presentation by the District Attorney to the Grand
Jury.
*2. Conducts routine surveillance of suspected persons and places.
3. Contacts informants to obtain information.
4. Develops sources of information.
*5. Conducts routine undercover work, raids, interrogation of witnesses, execution of
warrants and arrests.
*6. Interviews witnesses and subjects.
*7. Uses investigative apparatus such as electronic or photographic equipment as
required.
8. May testify in court proceedings.
*ADA ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
1. Extensive knowledge relating to homicide, Medicaid fraud, civil forfeiture, collision
investigation, law enforcement crimes analysis or index crimes depending on the
particular specialty.
2. Considerable knowledge of the basic rules of evidence.
3. Knowledge of applicable New York State statutes, court decisions, and administrative
ruling pertaining to violations of laws.
4. Skill in ascertaining facts by personal contact, observation, and examination of
records.
5. Skill in the use and care of firearms and in unarmed defense.
6. Ability to use technical investigative equipment.
7. Ability to testify effectively in court.
8. Ability to prepare detailed reports.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Training and Experience
Graduation from high school
and
For Appointment to the Index Crime Specialty
Ten years of satisfactory experience in criminal investigation work as a sworn police officer in the State of New York as defined by Section 1.20 (34) of New York Criminal Procedure Law, of which five years must have been exclusively in the specialized field of investigation of index crime(s).
The pay range for this role is:
90,690 - 90,690 USD per year (272 OCR)

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