Crime Scene Cleaner Salary in the US | How Much Does A Crime Scene Cleaner Make in 2023? (Updated)

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The average annual salary of a crime scene cleaner is $31,523. Cool right? However, certain factors can affect this salary, meaning that you can earn even higher or lower than this.

Meanwhile, while homicide detectives and other crime scene members comb a violent crime scene, a crime scene cleaner comes at the end of the investigation to clean up the bloody fluids and mess left behind by the death.

These cleaners are the sole reason why the blood stains, brain matter, and bone fragments you saw at a crime scene are no longer there.

In a matter of minutes, you will learn what crime scene cleaners do, their average salary, and the factors that influence how much they earn. Dive in!

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Who is a Crime Scene Cleaner?

A crime scene cleaner cleans and sanitizes the scene of a violent crime. In other words, a crime scene cleaner is a cleaning professional who has received special training to clean up crime scenes.

Cleaning blood, bodily fluids, and even tear gas is part of their routine at crime scenes.

These cleaners are also in charge of cleaning up after suicides, industrial accidents, and unattended deaths. Crime scene cleaning requires long hours and is most suitable for those with great attention to detail.

Crime scene cleaners are known to access and clean up the scene of a crime once investigations have been completed.

In addition, as a result of the disturbing nature of some crime scenes, crime scene cleaning is not for everyone.

What is the Role of a Crime Scene Cleaner?

Crime scene cleaners in the United States play a vital role in turning a crime scene into a near former state.

These cleaners carry out some of the following duties:

  • Evaluating the scene to determine what can be salvaged and what must be discarded
  • Removing items and disposing of the material in sterile containers
  • Disinfecting the crime scene and using chemicals to break down blood for easy cleanup
  • Assuring bereaved relatives or business owners concerned about negative publicity.

What is the Average Salary of a Crime Scene Cleaner?

The average salary of a crime scene cleaner has been a hard nut to crack. You should know that this cleaner earns in different categories.

These payment categories are hourly, monthly, and yearly. Therefore, the average annual salary of a crime scene cleaner is $31,523.

However, the annual average salary of this cleaner ranges from $29,791 to $35,860.

Every month, a crime scene cleaner earns an average salary of $2,627. The monthly salary also falls between $2,483 and $2,988.

Further, the average hourly rate for a crime scene cleaner is $15 and ranges from $14 to $17.

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Factors Affecting the Salary of a Crime Scene Cleaner in the US

There are reasons why some employees earn more than their counterparts in the United States.

This is the sole reason why most people do a quick sweep looking out for places that pay the most for the job position they seek.

In the same vein, some factors determine how much money a crime scene cleaner goes home with at the end of the day.

Some of the factors that influence the salary of crime scene cleaners in the United States include:

Experience

A crime scene cleaner’s experience goes a long way in determining how much he can make in the United States.

As you already know, the more experienced an employee is, the more salary he stands to earn. This also applies to crime scene cleaners.

Location

The location where the crime occurs is also a critical factor in defining the salary of this cleaner in the US.

It is no news that salaries differ by area or location. Therefore, if the crime occurs in a place with a high salary for this cleaner, he is bound to earn high and vice versa.

Additional training

Other than experience, a crime scene cleaner with additional training will earn more. A crime scene cleaner who takes up cleaning courses will earn higher than those who don’t.

How Much Does a Crime Scene Cleaner Make in the US in 2022?

A crime scene cleaner makes an average annual salary of $31,523. Of course, the earnings of a crime scene cleaner in the US comes in different payment categories.

Indeed, these payment categories largely shape the decision of those who may want to venture into crime scene cleaning.

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How Much Does a Crime Scene Cleaner Make a Year?

With an average annual salary of $31,523, a crime scene cleaner can earn higher or less than the average salary.

In addition, the yearning pay of a crime scene cleaner in the United States ranges from $29,791 to $35,860.

However, the annual salary of this cleaner depends on the percentile or level he occupies.

What is the Monthly Salary of a Crime Scene Cleaner?

Every month, this cleaner is sure to receive an average of $2,627. This is not to say that he can’t earn more.

The monthly payment of a crime scene cleaner falls between $2,483 to $2,988. On the flip side, he earns a monthly salary based on the level or percentile.

How Much Does a Crime Scene Cleaner Make in an Hour?

A crime scene cleaner earns between $14 to $17 by the hour. Of course, this hourly pay is bound to increase with several factors.

Truly, the hourly rate of a crime scene cleaner in the United States is the first indicator of a well-paying job.

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Salary of a Crime Scene Cleaner in the US Based on Location

As you already know, the salary for any job or position in the United States largely depends on its location.

Hence, what one crime scene will earn in one state may differ from what his colleague in another state or city will earn.

The table below sheds more light on this:

StateAnnual SalaryMonthly SalaryHourly Pay
Alaska$35,337$2,945$17
Alabama$29,537$2,461$14
Arkansas$29,072$2,423$14
Arizona$31,165$2,597$15
California$35,211$2,934$17
Colorado$31,428$2,619$15
Connecticut$34,107$2,842$16
District of Columbia$35,062$2,922$17
Delaware$33,099$2,758$16
Florida$29,946$2,496$14
Georgia$30,498$2,542$15
Hawaii$33,073$2,756$16
Iowa$30,167$2,514$15
Idaho$29,752$2,479$14
Illinois$32,374$2,698$16
Indiana$30,797$2,566$15
Kansas$29,915$2,493$14
Kentucky$29,663$2,472$14
Louisiana$30,199$2,517$15
Massachusetts$34,296$2,858$16
Maryland$32,502$2,708$16
Maine$30,388$2,532$15
Michigan$31,548$2,629$15
Minnesota$32,248$2,687$16
Missouri$30,041$2,503$14
Mississippi$27,425$2,285$13
Montana$28,575$2,381$14
North Carolina$30,072$2,506$14
North Dakota$29,600$2,467$14
Nebraska$28,906$2,409$14
New Hampshire$31,995$2,666$15
New Jersey$34,851$2,904$17
New Mexico$28,812$2,401$14
Nevada$32,311$2,693$16
New York$33,824$2,819$16
Ohio$30,779$2,565$15
Oklahoma$29,631$2,469$14
Oregon$31,396$2,616$15
Pennsylvania$31,459$2,622$15
Rhode Island$33,225$2,769$16
South Carolina$29,505$2,459$14
South Dakota$26,983$2,249$13
Tennessee$28,638$2,387$14
Texas$30,954$2,580$15
Utah$29,865$2,489$14
Virginia$31,333$2,611$15
Vermont$30,356$2,530$15
Washington$33,666$2,806$16
Wisconsin$31,050$2,587$15
West Virginia$27,929$2,327$13
Wyoming$28,055$2,338$13
Source: Salary.com

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Crime Scene Cleaner Salary in California

California is one of the states with the highest salary for a crime scene cleaner in the United States.

In California, a crime scene cleaner earns an average annual salary of $35,211. It also ranges from $33,277 to $40,056.

A crime scene cleaner in California earns a monthly average salary of $2,934. The monthly salary falls between $2,773 and $3,338.

In addition, the average pay for a crime scene cleaner in California is $17. The hourly pay for a crime scene cleaner in California ranges from $16 to $19.

What are the Highest-Paying States in the United States for a Crime Scene Cleaner Jobs?

You should know that some states pay crime scene cleaners a higher salary than the rest. These are the highest-paying states for crime scene cleaners in the United States.

Now that you know the average salary for these cleaners, you should further identify the states that pay them the most.

From the information provided in the table above, the following are the five highest-paying states for crime scene cleaners in the United States:

StateAnnual SalaryMonthly SalaryHourly Pay
Alaska$35,337$2,945$17
California$35,211$2,934$17
District of Columbia$35,062$2,922$17
New Jersey$34,851$2,904$17
Massachusetts$34,296$2,858$16
Source: Salary.com

Salary for a Crime Scene Cleaner in the US Based on Level

As earlier stated, crime scene cleaners earn by their percentile or level.

This implies that there is a salary distinction between these percentiles.

Their earning levels are divided into:

  • Entry-level
  • Senior-level

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How Much Does a Crime Scene Cleaner Make Based on Entry Level?

As the name implies, entry-level crime scene cleaners earn less than their senior-level counterparts earn.

According to ZipRecruiter, the annual salary for entry-level crime scene cleaners range from $19,500 to $26,000.

However, this salary range will increase over time based on career advancement and other factors influencing their salary.

How Much Does a Crime Scene Cleaner Make Based at the Senior Level?

Crime scene cleaners at the senior level earn way above those at the entry level.

Senior-level crime scene cleaners in the United States earn between $44,500 and $58,500 annually.

Salaries of  Crime Scene Cleaners in the Top Industries in the US

Intending to make a career cleaning a crime scene? Then it would be best to look out for the top industries and their salaries.

The following are the top industries for crime scene cleaners in the United States.

RankCompanyAverage Crime Scene Technician Salary
1Arlington County$69,542
2Gwinnett County$68,714
3El Paso County$67,793
4Aftermath Services$67,510
5St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s Office$67,363
6Baylor University$67,118
7Escambia County Sheriff’s Office$64,896
8San Angelo ISD$64,082
9Polk County Sheriff’s Office$63,046
10City of Atlanta, GA$62,120
11Puerto Rico Supplies Group$61,481
12Gainesville Regional Utilities$61,473
13City of Orlando$57,390
14New Orleans Police Department$54,256
15City of Tacoma$53,362
16City of Coral Gables$53,208
17Atlanta Police Department$50,533
18Salinas Police Dept.$50,411
19CityofNorthMiami$49,374
20Duluth Trading$38,494
Source: Zippia

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Salary of Similar Professions in the United States

You must keep your eyes and ears open to learn about the salary of similar professions in the United States.

These related fields are areas you can switch to if you decide to shortly.

The following are similar professions alongside their salary in the United States:

Job TitleAnnual SalaryHourly Pay
Crime Scene Technician$75,779$36
Crime Scene Photographer$45,364$22
Crime Scene Specialist$42,059$20
Crime Analyst$53,795$26
Crime Investigator$68,137$33
Source: Salary.com

Are There Other Benefits of Being a Crime Scene Cleaner Aside from the Salary?

Of course. Other than the stipulated amount they earn, crime scene cleaners in the United States are entitled to other benefits.

It is no doubt that benefits, to an extent, contribute to employee job satisfaction and motivation.

Little wonder employers ensure there are benefits attached to a position.

Some of the benefits you stand to get as a crime scene cleaner are:

  • Social security
  • Health insurance
  • Pension
  • Time offs

Job Prospects For Crime Scene Cleaners

The first place most people look out for in a job or career is the prospect or outlook. The job prospects for crime scene cleaners in the United States are encouraging.

Statistics predict hazardous material cleaning occupations to experience an 8% growth from 2019 to 2029.

Conclusion

Becoming a crime scene cleaner in the United States is no easy feat. With the responsibilities of this cleaner at your disposal, do you still think you have it in you to become a crime scene cleaner?

Do you also think you can hold down the content of your stomach while working at the crime scene?

Well, the choice is yours at the end of the day. However, ensure you are pursuing this career for the love of it.

We hope this article answered your questions about the earnings of a crime scene cleaner in the United States.

You are just a click away from more of this related article: makedailyprofit.com. For feedback, reach us through the comment section.

Frequently Asked Questions on Crime Scene Cleaner Salary

How Long is Crime Scene Cleanup?

The time it takes to clean up a crime scene might range from an hour to 40 hours.

The length of time it takes depends on the nature of the trauma and the number of biohazard materials that need to be removed from the scene.

How Do You Get a Job Cleaning Crime Scenes?

You might begin your search by contacting companies that clean up crime scenes and biohazards.

The simplest way to find work as a crime scene cleaner is to contact groups dealing with your region’s biohazard cleanup.

What is Biohazard Cleaning?

Biohazard cleaning is the process of removing biological threats and ensuring that damaged areas have been thoroughly cleaned.

Is the Human Blood a Biohazard?

Human blood and other blood products in liquid or semi-liquid forms, such as serum, plasma, and blood components, are considered hazardous.

How Long Does Dried Blood Last?

Dried blood stains can last from a month to a lifetime, depending on the state.

FAQs

How long is crime scene cleanup?

The time it takes to clean up a crime scene might range from an hour to 40 hours.


The length of time it takes depends on the nature of the trauma and the number of biohazard materials that need to be removed from the scene.

How do you get a job cleaning crime scenes?

You might begin your search by contacting companies that clean up crime scenes and biohazards.


The simplest way to find work as a crime scene cleaner is to contact groups dealing with your region’s biohazard cleanup.

What is biohazard cleaning?

Biohazard cleaning is the process of removing biological threats and ensuring that damaged areas have been thoroughly cleaned.

Is the human blood a biohazard?

Human blood and other blood products in liquid or semi-liquid forms, such as serum, plasma, and blood components, are considered hazardous.

How long does dried blood last?

Dried blood stains can last from a month to a lifetime, depending on the state.

References

  • salary.com – Crime Scene Cleaner Salary in the United States
  • zippia.com– How To Become a Crime Scene Technician

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