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For Educators: Military Resources

Private Detectives and Investigators

Median Salary
49,540
Job Outlook
+4%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

57%

State and local government

21%

Federal Government

10%

Self-employed

7%

Private not for profit

4%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of private detectives and investigators is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 3,600 openings for private detectives and investigators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$36,340

10%

$49,540

Median

$72,590

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    37%

  • High school

    25%

  • Associate's degree

    16%

  • Some college

    12%

  • Post baccalaureate

    4%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
  • Criminal Justice/Police Science
  • Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation
  • Protective Services Operations

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Administrative
  • Law and Government
  • Computers and Electronics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.