Private Detectives & Investigators

Also Called: Investigator, Loss Prevention Detective, Loss Prevention Officer, Private Investigator

Bachelor's Degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$36,060

Entry Salary

Bright

Job outlook

What Private Detectives & Investigators do

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.

  • Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
  • Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.
  • Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
Industry Areas:

Homeland Security

Training Program Areas:

OCT-Only Homeland Security • Security & Protective Services

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Telephone
  • Electronic Mail
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work

Tools

  • Still cameras
  • Scanners
  • Notebook computers
  • Handguns
  • Digital cameras

Technology

Electronic mail software
Email software
Microsoft Outlook
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Operating system software
Microsoft operating system
Microsoft Windows

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Complex Problem Solving

Knowledge

Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service
administrative services
Safety and Government
law and government
public safety and security
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics

Education

  • 38% Bachelor's degree
  • 25% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 16% Associate's degree

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

Sales Representatives, Wholesale & Manufacturing

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Procurement Clerks

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Private Detectives & Investigators Currently Selected

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

  • Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

    Tifton, GA

  • Adams State University

    Alamosa, CO

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

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Enterprising (Persuader)

Work Styles

  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Independence
  • Initiative
  • Persistence

Values

  • Independence
  • Achievement
  • Recognition

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Attention
  • Visual Understanding

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

$17.34 / hour
$36,060 /year

Entry Level

$23.82 / hour
$49,540 /year

Median Level

$46.44 / hour
$96,600 /year

Experienced Level

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

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

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

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