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County Detective Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chatham County Government is supported by over 2,100 diverse team members across 40 departments ... Look no further than the Chatham County Police Department to become our next Detective. With a ...

County employees can also receive an annual allowance for health and wellness costs.End-of-Year ... Detective Definition:Perform a variety of routine law enforcement duties in support of the Lake ...

Detective

Leadville, CO · On-site

$90K - $102K/yr

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is looking for a P.O.S.T certified Law Enforcement Officer, with a strong desire to serve our community with professionalism and honesty. Must possess good ...

Detective

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$6.3K - $10K/mo

Los Angeles County, Santa Clara County, Solano County) • Education - select link for details- Pay ... Detective Classification: INVESTIGATOR $6,339.00 - $8,558.00 A $7,306.00 - $10,609.00 B New to ...

... County. Performs all law enforcement functions of the Patrol Deputy in the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws and ordinances for the protection of life, health, safety, welfare and ...

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County Detective information

See salary details

$29K

$61.9K

$98.5K

How much do county detective jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for county detective in the United States is $61,905.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $71,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between County Detective vs Sheriff Deputy?

AspectCounty DetectiveSheriff Deputy
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, law enforcement academy, detective trainingHigh school diploma, law enforcement academy, sheriff's academy
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, crime scenes, officesPatrol, community engagement, crime response
Employer & IndustryCounty law enforcement agenciesSheriff's office, county law enforcement

County Detectives focus on investigations and solving crimes, often working in offices or crime scenes, while Sheriff Deputies handle patrol duties and community policing. Both roles require law enforcement training and serve county agencies, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

What is a county detective?

County detectives are law enforcement officers who work for a county government, often within a district attorney's office, to investigate crimes such as homicides, drug offenses, and other serious felonies. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, conduct surveillance, and assist in preparing cases for prosecution. County detectives often collaborate with local police departments and other agencies to solve complex criminal cases. Their jurisdiction typically covers all municipalities within the county, providing specialized investigative support where needed.

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

To thrive as a County Detective, you need a background in law enforcement, strong investigative skills, and typically certification from a police academy or relevant law enforcement agency. Familiarity with case management systems, evidence collection technology, and forensic analysis tools is often required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent interpersonal communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial for solving complex cases, ensuring proper legal procedures, and collaborating effectively with colleagues and the community.

What are some common challenges that county detectives face when working on complex investigations?

County Detectives often encounter challenges such as managing large caseloads, navigating jurisdictional boundaries, and collaborating with multiple agencies. Investigations can be complex and require gathering evidence from various sources, interviewing witnesses, and maintaining detailed documentation. Additionally, detectives must stay current with legal procedures and forensic technology while working under tight deadlines and sometimes high-pressure situations.
Infographic showing various County Detective job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,905 per year, or $29.8 per hour.