Life As a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent
Job Description & Duties Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.
List of Criminal Investigator or Special Agent Job Duties
- Search for and collect evidence, such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment.
- Perform undercover assignments and maintain surveillance, including monitoring authorized wiretaps.
- Collect and record physical information about arrested suspects, including fingerprints, height and weight measurements, and photographs.
- Provide protection for individuals, such as government leaders, political candidates, and visiting foreign dignitaries.
- Issue security clearances.
- Collaborate with other authorities on activities, such as surveillance, transcription, and research.
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Criminal Investigator or Special Agent Skills
These are the skills Criminal Investigators and Special Agents say are the most useful in their careers:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
- United States Marshal (US Marshal)
- Criminal Investigator
- State Trooper
- Missing Persons Investigator
Are There Job Opportunities for Criminal Investigators and Special Agents?
In the United States, there were 110,900 jobs for Criminal Investigator or Special Agent in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,000 new jobs for Criminal Investigator or Special Agent by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 7,500 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Criminal Investigator or Special Agent are Nevada, Utah, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Maryland, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Criminal Investigator or Special Agent Average Salary
Criminal Investigators and Special Agents make between $43,800 and $138,860 a year.
Criminal Investigators and Special Agents who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Criminal Investigators and Special Agents make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $64,750 |
| Alaska | $118,360 |
| Arizona | $81,810 |
| Arkansas | $60,340 |
| California | $107,120 |
| Colorado | $87,280 |
| Connecticut | $90,470 |
| Delaware | $89,930 |
| District of Columbia | $122,460 |
| Florida | $76,560 |
| Georgia | $66,430 |
| Hawaii | $107,010 |
| Idaho | $73,510 |
| Illinois | $87,470 |
| Indiana | $75,150 |
| Iowa | $73,320 |
| Kansas | $62,260 |
| Kentucky | $71,300 |
| Louisiana | $65,090 |
| Maine | $70,620 |
| Maryland | $102,370 |
| Massachusetts | $101,800 |
| Michigan | $86,580 |
| Minnesota | $76,640 |
| Mississippi | $64,150 |
| Missouri | $70,860 |
| Montana | $81,210 |
| Nebraska | $73,480 |
| Nevada | $87,680 |
| New Hampshire | $80,370 |
| New Jersey | $102,600 |
| New Mexico | $77,890 |
| New York | $91,250 |
| North Carolina | $60,810 |
| North Dakota | $84,340 |
| Ohio | $75,310 |
| Oklahoma | $66,130 |
| Oregon | $93,840 |
| Pennsylvania | $85,730 |
| Rhode Island | $86,580 |
| South Carolina | $60,420 |
| South Dakota | $72,050 |
| Tennessee | $71,940 |
| Texas | $79,950 |
| Utah | $80,840 |
| Vermont | $83,060 |
| Virginia | $98,850 |
| Washington | $85,440 |
| West Virginia | $86,340 |
| Wisconsin | $76,590 |
| Wyoming | $81,750 |
What Tools do Criminal Investigators and Special Agents Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Criminal Investigators and Special Agents may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Graphics software
- ESRI ArcView
- Corel WordPerfect
- National Crime Information Center NCIC database
- Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
- Law enforcement information databases
- National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
- Crime mapping software
- Case management software
- Computer aided composite drawing software
Becoming a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent
What education is needed to be a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent?
What work experience do I need to become a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent?
Where do Criminal Investigators and Special Agents Work?
Below are examples of industries where Criminal Investigators and Special Agents work:
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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