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All About Private Detectives and Investigators
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?
- Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.
- Apprehend suspects and release them to law enforcement authorities or security personnel.
- Alert appropriate personnel to suspects’ locations.
- Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
- Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
- Warn troublemakers causing problems on establishment premises and eject them from premises when necessary.
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Private Detective or Investigator Required Skills
When polled, Private Detectives and Investigators say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Other Private Detective or Investigator Job Titles
- Asset Protection Detective
- Loss Prevention Analyst
- Loss Prevention Detective
- Investigations Director
- Skip Locator
Private Detective or Investigator Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 41,400 jobs in the United States for Private Detective or Investigator. 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. There will be an estimated 4,500 positions for Private Detective or Investigator per 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 Salary
The average yearly salary of a Private Detective or Investigator ranges between $29,310 and $89,200.
Private Detectives and Investigators who work in Nevada, District of Columbia, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in each U.S. state?
| 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 do Private Detectives and Investigators Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Private Detectives and Investigators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- LexisNexis
- Computer imaging software
Becoming a Private Detective or Investigator
Are there Private Detectives and Investigators education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Private Detectives and Investigators Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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