Life As a Private Detective or Investigator
Private Detective or Investigator Example 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.
A Day in the Life of a Private Detective or Investigator
- Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
- Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals’ character or financial status.
- Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.
- Observe and document activities of individuals to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.
- Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual’s character, financial status, or personal history.
- Count cash and review transactions, sales checks, or register tapes to verify amounts or to identify shortages.
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Qualities of a Private Detective or Investigator
Below is a list of the skills most Private Detectives and Investigators say are important on the job.
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
- Private Detective
- Contract Investigator
- House Detective
- Bonding Agent
- Detective
What Kind of Private Detective or Investigator Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 41,400 jobs for Private Detective or Investigator in 2016. 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.
How Much Does a Private Detective or Investigator Make?
Private Detectives and Investigators make between $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?
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
How do I Become a Private Detective or Investigator?
What kind of Private Detective or Investigator requirements are there?
What work experience do I need to become a Private Detective or Investigator?
Where 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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