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Homicide Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Homicide Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do homicide investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for homicide investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a homicide investigator?

Homicide investigators are specialized law enforcement officers who are responsible for investigating deaths that are suspected to be the result of homicide. They gather and analyze evidence from crime scenes, interview witnesses and suspects, and work closely with forensic experts to solve cases. Their goal is to identify suspects, gather sufficient evidence for prosecution, and ultimately help bring justice for the victims and their families. Homicide investigators must possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure, as solving these cases can be complex and emotionally challenging.

What is the difference between Homicide Investigator vs Crime Scene Investigator?

AspectHomicide InvestigatorCrime Scene Investigator
Required CredentialsPolice academy training, law enforcement certification, detective experienceForensic training, crime scene processing certification, often law enforcement background
Work EnvironmentInvestigates homicide scenes, interviews witnesses, works closely with law enforcementCollects and analyzes physical evidence at crime scenes, works in labs and on-site
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsForensic labs, law enforcement agencies, crime scene units

Homicide Investigators focus on solving murder cases through investigation, interviews, and case analysis, often working directly in the field. Crime Scene Investigators specialize in collecting and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes, supporting investigations with forensic data. Both roles require law enforcement background and specialized training, but their primary responsibilities differ within the criminal justice process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a homicide investigator?

To thrive as a Homicide Investigator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice or law enforcement, often supported by police academy training and relevant certifications. Familiarity with forensic analysis tools, crime scene processing techniques, and case management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, resilience, and critical thinking are vital soft skills for interviewing witnesses, managing stress, and working collaboratively. These competencies ensure thorough investigations, accurate evidence handling, and successful resolution of complex cases.

What are some common challenges faced by homicide investigators during complex cases?

Homicide investigators often face challenges such as managing high-pressure situations, working long or irregular hours, and piecing together limited or conflicting evidence. Complex cases may require coordinating with multiple agencies, handling sensitive information discreetly, and communicating effectively with victims' families. Investigators must remain detail-oriented and persistent, as unraveling motives and timelines can be time-consuming and emotionally taxing, but teamwork and support from colleagues are crucial in overcoming these obstacles.
More about Homicide Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Homicide Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Homicide Investigator job openings:
What states have the most Homicide Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Homicide Investigator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Homicide Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR

US Department of the Navy

Seal Beach, CA • On-site

$54K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Qualifications:GL-09: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-07 level or pay band in the Federal service(experience may have been gained in the private sector) that includes performing the following duties:
  • Experience gathering and documenting facts from various sources and producing detailed written reports.
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
  • Experience analyzing records, data, or systems to identify discrepancies, patterns, or compliance issues.
  • Experience conducting structured interviews or inquiries to gather information from people;- Consolidating gathered information to produce a detailed report that presents evidence-based findings and supports a final conclusion or recommendation for action.

GS-11: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least theGL/GS-09level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrate your ability in the following:
  • Experience conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies.-Independent Project Management.
  • Experience independently planning and executing multi-step projects or inquiries from start to finish.- Complex Data Synthesis.
  • Experience managing and synthesizing multiple streams of information (e.g., records, interviews, open-source data) to produce a comprehensive analytical product.

GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, demonstrating leadership and expertise in planning and conducting complex criminal investigations. This experience must include tasks such as:-
  • Experience serving as the lead investigator on felony-level cases (e.g., homicide, sexual assault, major fraud, espionage).
  • Experience applying advanced investigative techniques, such as court-authorized electronic surveillance.
  • Experience developing cases for federal prosecution and presenting evidence to a U.S. Attorney's Office.
  • Experience applying provisions from the UCMJ, U.S. Code, and international law to investigations.

GS-13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level that demonstrates mastery of the investigative field and the ability to operate at a strategic level. This experience must include tasks such as:
  • Strategic Management: Planning and managing large-scale, multi-jurisdictional, or transnational investigations.
  • Policy Development: Developing or influencing agency-wide investigative policies, procedures, or doctrine.
  • Expert Consultation: Providing expert technical advice to senior leadership on critical law enforcement operations.
  • Advanced Intelligence Fusion: Collecting and analyzing operational and strategic intelligence from a wide range of sources, including federal, state, local, military, and foreign government partners.
Additionally, NCIS is seeking applicants with experience for the following specialized position:
NATIONAL SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS:
Competitive candidates will possess one or more of the following:
- Experience leading complex counterintelligence (CI), counter-terrorism (CT), Defense Critical Infrastructure (DCI) or research/technology protection (RTP) investigations, collections, and/or operations.
- Experience in drafting and obtaining affidavits, applications and correspondence, to include National Security Procedures, in support of National Security Investigations.
- Advanced training, experience, or education in engineering, supply chain management/protection, insider threat, fraud examination, or forensic accounting supporting National Security activities.
- Advanced training or certification in CI/CT disciplines.
- Experience working joint efforts with the Military Department Counterintelligence Organizations or Military Criminal Investigative Organizations (NCIS/AFOSI/ACI/DACID).
- Based on an individual applicants training, experience and technical qualifications, NCIS Special Agent Training Program may be waived for a modified training and assessment program through the NCIS Training Academy as deemed necessary.
- Placement into this specialty will be based on background, specialized training, geographic field office availability, mission specific field offices, training directorate, and HQ program oversight.
- Current Federal Law Enforcement Officer (1811): Current employment as a federal law enforcement officer holding an 1811 job series classification, as evidenced by an official Standard Form (SF) 50.
- Applicants with Federal Investigative Experience: Possess a minimum of three (3) years of federal investigative experience. This must include service as a credentialed member of a Military Criminal Investigative Organization (MCIO) while on active duty; e.g. Navy Special Agents or Marine Special Agents who have completed assignments at an NCIS field office.
- Successful completion of a basic criminal investigator training program at an academy accredited by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA). Examples include, but are not limited to, the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), FBI Academy, DEA Academy, and the US Army CIDSAC.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/1811
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Qualifications:
NCIS is seeking a diverse pool of applicants who demonstrate a strong balance of education, life experience, and commitment. Stand-out skills such as fluency in critical languages (e.g., Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Korean) or a background in STEM fields are highly desirable. Current Special Agents (1811) with documented experience, can generally be hired at their current pay level. Applicants will be evaluated for the appropriate grade level (GL-9 to GS-13) based on the scope and complexity of your specialized experience and education.
The following criteria identifies preferred education and experience for best qualified ranking:
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (preferably in computer technology, forensics, criminal justice, and information technology)
  • Federal Investigative Experience: Possess a minimum of three (3) years of federal investigative experience. This must include service as a credentialed member of a Military Criminal Investigative Organization (MCIO) while on active duty.
  • Federal Law Enforcement Officer (1811): Current employment as a federal law enforcement officer holding an 1811 job series classification, as evidenced by an official Standard Form (SF) 50.
  • Successful completion of a basic criminal investigator training program at an academy accredited by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA). Examples include, but are not limited to, the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), FBI Academy, DEA Academy, and the US Army CIDSAC.

GL-09: SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE:
master's or equivalent graduate degree

or

2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree

or

LL.B. or J.D., if related.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.
GS-11: SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE:
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

or

3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree

or

LL.M., if related
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.Employment Type: OTHER

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National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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