Detectives & Criminal Investigators

Also Called: Criminal Investigator, Detective, Investigator, Police Detective

Associate's degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$50,670

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Detectives & Criminal Investigators do

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

  • Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
  • Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
  • Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
Industry Areas:

Homeland Security

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Telephone
  • Electronic Mail
  • Contact With Others
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment

Tools

  • Surveillance video or audio recorders
  • Handcuffs
  • Footprint lifters
  • Physiological recorders
  • Notebook computers

Technology

Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Visio
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
National Crime Information Center NCIC database

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Social Perceptiveness

Knowledge

Safety and Government
law and government
public safety and security
Business
customer service
administrative services
Arts and Humanities
English language
Math and Science
psychology

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

First-Line Supervisors of Police & Detectives

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, & Illustrators

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Detectives & Criminal Investigators Currently Selected

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Private Detectives & Investigators

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Aaniiih Nakoda College

    Harlem, MT

  • Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

    Tifton, GA

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

The Military offers exciting career opportunities that align with your interests. Click here to explore military careers and find a recruiter near you.

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

Work Styles

  • Integrity
  • Self Control
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation

Values

  • Achievement
  • Working Conditions
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Attention
  • Visual Understanding

This is what Detectives & Criminal Investigators across the country typically make.

$24.36 / hour
$50,670 /year

Entry Level

$43.80 / hour
$91,100 /year

Median Level

$74.21 / hour
$154,360 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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