All About Private Detectives and Investigators
Career Description 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
- Monitor industrial or commercial properties to enforce conformance to establishment rules and to protect people or property.
- Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
- Alert appropriate personnel to suspects’ locations.
- Perform undercover operations, such as evaluating the performance or honesty of employees by posing as customers or employees.
- Warn troublemakers causing problems on establishment premises and eject them from premises when necessary.
- Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals’ character or financial status.
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What a Private Detective or Investigator Should Know
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
- Special Investigator
- Private Eye
- Loss Prevention Investigator
- Alarm Investigator
- Field Investigator
Job Opportunities 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. 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.
Private Detective or Investigator Average Salary
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.
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make 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 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 to Become a Private Detective or Investigator
What education is needed to be a Private Detective or Investigator?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Private Detectives and Investigators Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Private Detectives and Investigators work:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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