How Much Does a Fraud Examiner Make? (2025)
A fraud examiner investigates, analyzes, and uncovers fraudulent activities to protect organizations from financial losses. They review financial records, conduct interviews, and use investigative techniques to detect irregularities and fraudulent schemes. Fraud examiners also prepare detailed reports, collaborate with legal teams and law enforcement, and recommend preventive measures to minimize fraud risk.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), fraud examiner jobs, together with financial examiner jobs, are forecasted to grow 19% from 2024 to 2034. This is much faster than the national average and translates to roughly 5,700 job openings every year. Salary.com reports that the average yearly salary for fraud examiners in the US is $68,390 for 2025.
Learn more about the salary trend for fraud examiners and top-paying cities in the US, as well as some FAQs about the occupation.
What is the Average Fraud Examiner's Salary
As mentioned above, the average annual salary for fraud examiners in the United States is $68,390 in 2025. As of November 6, 2025, the salary range for fraud examiners in the US is between $54,062 and $85,393, with most earning $60,890 to $77,290 per year.
2025 Average Salary for Fraud Examiners: $68,390 per year ($33 per hour)
A fraud examiner's average monthly salary is $5,699, while the average weekly pay is $1,315. Meanwhile, the salary of a fraud examiner per hour is $33 according to the report.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $26 | $1,040 | $4,505 | $54,062 |
| 25th Percentile | $29 | $1,171 | $5,074 | $60,890 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $33 | $1,315 | $5,699 | $68,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $37 | $1,486 | $6,441 | $77,290 |
| 90th Percentile | $41 | $1,642 | $7,116 | $85,393 |
Fraud Examiner Salaries State by State
Fraud examiner salaries may vary across US states depending on key factors such as state minimum wage, occupation demand, location, and standards of living.
As shown in the table below, the three (3) states with the lowest average annual salary for fraud examiners in the United States are Mississippi, West Virginia, and South Dakota with $60,990, $61,590, and $62,190, respectively.
Meanwhile, the three (3) states with the highest average annual salary for fraud examiners are the District of Columbia, California, and New Jersey with $75,790, $75,490, and $74,190, respectively.
| States | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $74,090 |
| Alabama | $62,890 |
| Arkansas | $61,790 |
| Arizona | $66,690 |
| California | $75,490 |
| Colorado | $69,790 |
| Connecticut | $73,090 |
| District of Columbia | $75,790 |
| Delaware | $69,290 |
| Florida | $64,690 |
| Georgia | $65,990 |
| Hawaii | $71,490 |
| Iowa | $65,490 |
| Idaho | $63,890 |
| Illinois | $69,690 |
| Indiana | $65,690 |
| Kansas | $65,190 |
| Kentucky | $64,390 |
| Louisiana | $65,090 |
| Massachusetts | $74,490 |
| Maryland | $70,490 |
| Maine | $66,690 |
| Michigan | $67,390 |
| Minnesota | $69,990 |
| Missouri | $64,990 |
| Mississippi | $60,990 |
| Montana | $64,590 |
| North Carolina | $64,990 |
| North Dakota | $67,590 |
| Nebraska | $64,490 |
| New Hampshire | $69,190 |
| New Jersey | $74,190 |
| New Mexico | $63,390 |
| Nevada | $67,690 |
| New York | $72,690 |
| Ohio | $66,590 |
| Oklahoma | $63,290 |
| Oregon | $69,490 |
| Pennsylvania | $68,090 |
| Rhode Island | $70,890 |
| South Carolina | $64,090 |
| South Dakota | $62,190 |
| Tennessee | $63,890 |
| Texas | $66,690 |
| Utah | $65,490 |
| Virginia | $68,890 |
| Vermont | $67,190 |
| Washington | $74,190 |
| Wisconsin | $67,290 |
| West Virginia | $61,590 |
| Wyoming | $65,590 |
What is the Best Paying Cities for Fraud Examiners?
Fraud examiner salaries also vary by city due to the differences in standard of living, local demand for the occupation, and industry rates in metropolitan areas.
The table below shows that the labor industry in California is offering higher average annual salaries for fraud examiners, specifically in cities like San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland. Certain cities such as New York, Queens Village, and Paramus, also show signs of increased demand for fraud examiner occupations:
| Cities | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $86,290 ($42 per hour) |
| San Francisco, California | $85,390 ($41 per hour) |
| Oakland, California | $83,490 ($40 per hour) |
| New York, New York | $79,290 ($38 per hour) |
| Queens Village, New York | $78,790 ($38 per hour) |
| Paramus, New Jersey | $78,190 ($38 per hour) |
How Does Experience Affect Fraud Examiners?
Having more experience gives fraud examiners an edge over their peers and plays an important role in increasing their salary.
Salary.com reports that entry-level fraud examiners earn an average annual income of $65,960. Having 2 more years of experience can increase a fraud examiner's salary to $66,181.
After 2 to 4 years of experience, the salary for fraud examiners could increase to about $67,296. Specialist and expert-level fraud examiners can earn up to $69,341 and $72,057 respectively.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Fraud Examiner | $65,960 |
| Intermediate Level Fraud Examiner | $66,181 |
| Senior Level Fraud Examiner | $67,296 |
| Specialist Level Fraud Examiner | $69,341 |
| Expert Level Fraud Examiner | $72,057 |
How to Increase Salary as a Fraud Examiner?
Fraud examiners develop their expertise through formal education, on-the-job training, and specialized investigations in financial, corporate, or legal settings. While a college degree in accounting, criminology, or finance is often preferred, key skills include analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong ethical judgment.
To increase their salary, fraud examiners can focus on the following advancements and skill developments:
Fraud Examiner Advancements:
- Licenses and Certifications: Earning certifications like the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Forensic Accountant (Cr.FA), or Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) dramatically improves credibility and job prospects. These credentials demonstrate commitment to professional standards and specialized knowledge.
- Professional Growth: Gaining experience in forensic accounting, data analytics, and fraud risk assessment enhances expertise. Advancing leadership roles such as fraud investigation manager, compliance officer, or forensic audit supervisor can significantly increase earning potential.
- Additional Skills: Boosting skills in legal regulations, digital forensics, and investigative interviewing add great value. Proficiency with fraud detection software, data mining tools, and report writing for litigation or regulatory purposes often leads to greater responsibilities and higher pay.
- Salary and Outlook: Median salaries for fraud examiners vary, typically ranging from $54,000 to $85,000 annually depending on location, experience, and sector. Entry-level positions may start lower, but continuous professional development and certification attainment promote steady salary growth. The demand for fraud examiners remains strong due to increased regulatory scrutiny and prevalence of financial crimes.
Fraud examiners who pursue recognized certifications develop advanced investigative and analytic skills, and progress into supervisory or specialized roles to position themselves for increased salaries and career advancement. Staying current with emerging fraud trends and technologies is key to long-term success.
Fraud Examiner Skills:
Gaining sought-after skills for a fraud examiner is an effective way to earn a higher salary and unlock more career opportunities. The Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report indicates that the most in-demand skills for fraud examiners are internal audit and auditing skills, with 10.50% and 10.20%, respectively.
Also, essential skills such as the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and financial services industry can increase the salary for fraud examiners by 6.96% and 6.88%, respectively.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) | 10.10% | +9.95% |
| Financial Services Industry | 10.00% | +9.26% |
| Data Analytics | 10.00% | +8.88% |
| Customer Satisfaction | 10.00% | +8.81% |
| Internal Audit | 10.50% | +8.62% |
| Financial Laws and Regulations | 10.00% | +8.58% |
What are the FAQs About Fraud Examiner Salaries?
Here are some common questions about the fraud examiner salary:
What does a fraud examiner do?
A fraud examiner investigates financial records and transactions to detect, prevent, and resolve fraudulent activities. They work closely with law enforcement, legal teams, and corporate clients to uncover wrongdoing and ensure compliance with regulations. Here are some of their key job responsibilities:
- Conduct thorough investigations into suspected fraud cases using forensic accounting techniques.
- Analyze financial documents, transactions, and electronic data for inconsistencies or suspicious activity.
- Interview of witness, suspects, and employees to gather information and corroborate evidence.
- Prepare detailed reports and documentation for use in legal proceedings or regulatory compliance.
- Collaborate with law enforcement, legal counsel, and internal audit teams during investigations.
- Maintain strict adherence to ethical standards, confidentiality, and legal requirements.
- Stay updated on emerging fraud schemes, laws, and investigative technologies to improve detection methods.
What educational background or degree is needed to become a fraud examiner?
Fraud examiners typically start their careers with a bachelor's degree in fields such as accounting, finance, criminal justice, or forensic accounting. While some entry-level positions may accept an associate degree combined with relevant experience, a four-year degree is generally preferred.
Obtaining professional certifications like the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential significantly enhances job prospects and professional credibility. Advanced degrees such as a master's in forensic accounting or an MBA with a focus on fraud management can further boost career growth.
Continuing education and specialized training in fraud detection, forensic technology, and legal compliance are essential for staying current with evolving fraud schemes and investigative techniques.
Are fraud examiners in demand?
Yes. BLS reports that the fraud examiner jobs, together with financial examiner jobs, are forecasted to grow by 19% from 2024 to 2034. This is much faster than the average for all occupations and translates to about 5,700 job openings every year.
