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Private Detective or Investigator

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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.

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.

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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.

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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?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Private Detectives and Investigators Are Employed

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Below are examples of industries where Private Detectives and Investigators work:

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References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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