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Detectives and Criminal Investigators

General Information

Description

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

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Business Breakdown

People in this career work in these sectors.

  1. State and local government61.33%
  2. Federal government32.73%
  3. Private, for profit4.10%
  4. Self-employed1.02%
  5. Private, not for profit0.82%

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Industry areas

  • Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security

Job Outlook

Projected Job Growth (2022 - 2032)
+3%
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Salary

Salary Information

Median Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$86,280

Median Military Salary Military pay may be higher based on specialty pays or bonuses. Learn more about Military benefits.

$99,232

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State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

Salary Range Salary varies based on years of experience, degree level and location.

$45,360
$142,420
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Education & Interests

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • High school 32%
  • Associate's degree 19%
  • Post-secondary certificate 19%
  • Some college 17%
  • Bachelor's degree 10%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS

You may find this career fulfilling if you consider yourself to be:

  • Enterprising — You have an interest in managing, negotiating and marketing, or leading and advising others.
  • Investigative — You have an interest in studying and researching objects, organisms, and other things.
  • Conventional — You have an interest in following procedures and regulations to organize information or data.

Not sure what characteristics best describe you? Take the RIASEC Test.

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Law and Government
  • Psychology
  • English Language

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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