Life As a Private Detective or Investigator
Example of Private Detective or Investigator Job 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.
List of Private Detective or Investigator Job Duties
- Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
- Alert appropriate personnel to suspects' locations.
- Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.
- Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.
- Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.
- Apprehend suspects and release them to law enforcement authorities or security personnel.
Featured schools near , edit
What a Private Detective or Investigator Should Know
These are the skills Private Detectives and Investigators say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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:
- Loss Prevention Investigator
- Detective Investigator
- Background Investigator
- Special Investigator
- Intelligence Agent
Private Detective or Investigator Job Outlook
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.
Salary for a Private Detective or Investigator
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 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 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
Individuals working as a Private Detective or Investigator have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Private Detective or Investigator?
Who Employs Private Detectives and Investigators?
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.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
TradeCollege.org provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. TradeCollege.org is a for-profit site, and the displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© TradeCollege.org – All Rights Reserved.