What You Need to Know About 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.
Private Detective or Investigator Responsibilities
- Monitor industrial or commercial properties to enforce conformance to establishment rules and to protect people or property.
- Investigate companies' financial standings or locate funds stolen by embezzlers, using accounting skills.
- Alert appropriate personnel to suspects' locations.
- Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.
- Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
- Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual’s character, financial status, or personal history.
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What Every Private Detective or Investigator Should Know
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.
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.
Types of Private Detective or Investigator Jobs
- Investigator
- Loss Prevention Investigator
- Cash Shortage Investigator
- Skip Tracer
- Asset Protection Detective
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. The BLS estimates 4,500 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
How Much Does a Private Detective or Investigator Make?
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.
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?
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?
Individuals working as a Private Detective or Investigator have obtained the following education levels:
How many years of work experience do I need?
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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