Life As a Private Detective or Investigator
Position Description Gather, analyze, compile and report information regarding individuals or organizations to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment.
Life As a Private Detective or Investigator: What Do They Do?
- Count cash and review transactions, sales checks, or register tapes to verify amounts or to identify shortages.
- Monitor industrial or commercial properties to enforce conformance to establishment rules and to protect people or property.
- Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.
- Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual’s character, financial status, or personal history.
- Investigate companies’ financial standings or locate funds stolen by embezzlers, using accounting skills.
- Perform undercover operations, such as evaluating the performance or honesty of employees by posing as customers or employees.
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Qualities of a Private Detective or Investigator
Private Detectives and Investigators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Security Consultant
- Intelligence Agent
- Detective Investigator
- Contract Investigator
- Loss Prevention Officer
Is There Job Demand for Private Detectives and Investigators?
There were about 41,400 jobs for Private Detective or Investigator in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,400 new jobs for Private Detective or Investigator by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 4,500 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Private Detective or Investigator are Utah, Tennessee, and Iowa. Watch out if you plan on working in Nebraska, Montana, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Private Detective or Investigator Average Salary
The salary for Private Detectives and Investigators ranges between about $29,310 and $89,200 a year.
Private Detectives and Investigators who work in Nevada, District of Columbia, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $54,200 |
| Alaska | $69,210 |
| Arizona | $53,680 |
| Arkansas | $47,090 |
| California | $67,970 |
| Colorado | $53,860 |
| Connecticut | $53,410 |
| Delaware | $49,250 |
| District of Columbia | $72,190 |
| Florida | $41,850 |
| Georgia | $49,360 |
| Idaho | $57,420 |
| Illinois | $60,630 |
| Indiana | $48,250 |
| Kansas | $52,090 |
| Kentucky | $46,940 |
| Louisiana | $47,070 |
| Maryland | $58,520 |
| Massachusetts | $49,290 |
| Michigan | $52,010 |
| Mississippi | $46,890 |
| Missouri | $56,700 |
| Montana | $49,090 |
| Nevada | $64,080 |
| New Hampshire | $52,810 |
| New Jersey | $64,250 |
| New Mexico | $55,360 |
| New York | $61,950 |
| North Carolina | $53,050 |
| Ohio | $43,060 |
| Oklahoma | $42,820 |
| Oregon | $55,240 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,950 |
| Rhode Island | $55,290 |
| South Carolina | $50,150 |
| South Dakota | $39,040 |
| Texas | $49,250 |
| Utah | $46,310 |
| Virginia | $66,590 |
| Washington | $61,210 |
| West Virginia | $42,290 |
| Wisconsin | $43,790 |
What Tools & Technology do Private Detectives and Investigators Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Private Detectives and Investigators:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- LexisNexis
- Computer imaging software
How do I Become a Private Detective or Investigator?
Education needed to be a Private Detective or Investigator:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Private Detective or Investigator?
Where do Private Detectives and Investigators Work?
Private Detectives and Investigators work in the following industries:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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