All About Criminal Investigators and Special Agents

Criminal Investigator or Special Agent Example Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.

Life As a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent

• Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
• Collaborate with other offices and agencies to exchange information and coordinate activities.
• Compare crime scene fingerprints with those from suspects or fingerprint files to identify perpetrators, using computers.
• Manage security programs designed to protect personnel, facilities, and information.
• Provide protection for individuals, such as government leaders, political candidates, and visiting foreign dignitaries.
• Administer counterterrorism and counternarcotics reward programs.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent?

When polled, Criminal Investigators and Special Agents say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

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.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Other Criminal Investigator or Special Agent Job Titles

• Criminal Investigative Agent
• Deputy Sheriff
• Deputy United States Marshal
• Criminalist
• Inspector

Job Opportunities for Criminal Investigators and Special Agents

In the United States, there were 110,900 jobs for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in 2016.

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.5% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,000 new jobs for Criminal Investigators and Special Agents by 2026. There will be an estimated 7,500 positions for Criminal Investigator or Special Agent per year.

The states with the most job growth for Detectives and Criminal Investigators are Texas, New York, and California.

Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Maryland, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent Make?

The salary for Detectives and Criminal Investigators ranges between about $43,800 and $138,860 a year. A Criminal Investigator or Special Agent median salary is $81,920.

How much do Detectives and Criminal Investigators make in each U.S. state?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
District of Columbia	$122,460
Alaska	$118,360
California	$107,120
Hawaii	$107,010
New Jersey	$102,600
Maryland	$102,370
Massachusetts	$101,800
Virginia	$98,850
Oregon	$93,840
New York	$91,250
Connecticut	$90,470
Delaware	$89,930
Nevada	$87,680
Illinois	$87,470
Colorado	$87,280
Rhode Island	$86,580
Michigan	$86,580
West Virginia	$86,340
Pennsylvania	$85,730
Washington	$85,440
North Dakota	$84,340
Vermont	$83,060
Arizona	$81,810
Wyoming	$81,750
Montana	$81,210
Utah	$80,840
New Hampshire	$80,370
Texas	$79,950
New Mexico	$77,890
Minnesota	$76,640
Wisconsin	$76,590
Florida	$76,560
Ohio	$75,310
Indiana	$75,150
Idaho	$73,510
Nebraska	$73,480
Iowa	$73,320
South Dakota	$72,050
Tennessee	$71,940
Kentucky	$71,300
Missouri	$70,860
Maine	$70,620
Georgia	$66,430
Oklahoma	$66,130
Louisiana	$65,090
Alabama	$64,750
Mississippi	$64,150
Kansas	$62,260
North Carolina	$60,810
South Carolina	$60,420
Arkansas	$60,340

Tools & Technologies Used by Criminal Investigators and Special Agents

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Criminal Investigators and Special Agents:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Outlook

How to Become a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent

Individuals working as Criminal Investigators and Special Agents have obtained the following education levels:

What work experience do I need to become a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent?

Where do Criminal Investigators and Special Agents Work?

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming Criminal Investigators and Special Agents might also be interested in the following careers:

• Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons