ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

County Detective Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dauphin County Pennsylvania

DETECTIVE

Harrisburg, PA

$71K/yr

Dauphin County Criminal Investigation Division - Violent Crime Unit Location: Harrisburg, PA ... The detective will also play a critical role in the judicial process by providing testimony in ...

New

Dauphin County Pennsylvania

DETECTIVE

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$71K/yr

Dauphin County Criminal Investigation Division - Violent Crime Unit Location: Harrisburg, PA ... The detective will also play a critical role in the judicial process by providing testimony in ...

New

Chatham County Government

Detective

Savannah, GA

$56K/yr

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 ...

Lake County Government

Detective

Leadville, CO · On-site

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is looking for a P.O.S.T certified Law Enforcement Officer, with a ... Detective Definition: Perform a variety of routine law enforcement duties in support of the Lake ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCounty Detective Jobs

County Detective information

See salary details

$29K

$61.9K

$98.5K

How much do county detective jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 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 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.

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.

How much do county detectives make?

County detectives in Nebraska typically earn an average annual salary of around $55,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and department size. Salaries may increase with specialized training, certifications, and years of service, and detectives often work in law enforcement environments requiring strong investigative skills and adherence to protocols.

What job categories do people searching County Detective jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for County Detective jobs are:

County Detective jobs near you
Infographic showing various County Detective job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,905 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

County Detective - Drug Task Force

Allentown, PA • On-site

COUNTY OF LEHIGH PENNSYLVANIA
See more jobs at COUNTY OF LEHIGH PENNSYLVANIAexternal

$32.71/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Summary:
  • This is investigations work at the full performance level for the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office Drug Task Force. A position in this class conducts investigations for use in prosecuting criminal cases related primarily to controlled substances, money laundering, and related criminal conduct. Work includes initiating and conducting investigations of drug organizations. A position in this class is differentiated from those in closely related ones by the nature of the cases assigned and the fact that this position works closely with other law enforcement agencies.

Position Duties:
  • Conduct investigations of drug dealers and drug organizations
  • Mange Informants
  • Seize assets
  • Conduct drug related search warrants
  • Collect and analyze evidence
  • Conduct electronic surveillance intercepts
  • Conduct surveillance of known drug dealers and/or known drug locations
  • Interview and gather intelligence from drug users and/or dealers

Requirements:
  • Current certification (ACT 120) under the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) required.
  • A position in this class reports directly to the Chief County Detective.

Apply