Private detectives and investigators
SOC Code: 33-9021Also known as:
Alarm Investigator, AML Investigator (Anti Money Laundering Investigator), Asset Protection Detective, Background Investigator, Bonding Agent
Median Annual Salary
$52,370
+6.0% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
44K
Current Jobs
What Private detectives and investigators Do
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.
💰 Salary
$52,370
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+6.0%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
43,600
Projected Employment (2034)
46,200
Related Careers
Financial specialists, all other
$80,190 •
+3.1% growth
Detectives and criminal investigators
$93,580 •
-0.7% growth
Protective service workers, all other
$41,600 •
+2.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
- Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.
- Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
- Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual's character, financial status, or personal history.
- Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.
- Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.
- Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.
- Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals' character or financial status.
- Observe and document activities of individuals to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.
- Confer with establishment officials, security departments, police, or postal officials to identify problems, provide information, or receive instructions.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Private detectives and investigators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a private detectives and investigators:
Criminal Justice/Police Science
20,474 degrees awarded •
528 colleges offer this program
Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
2,377 degrees awarded •
113 colleges offer this program
Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation
324 degrees awarded •
36 colleges offer this program
Protective Services Operations
56 degrees awarded •
9 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Private detectives and investigators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become private detectives and investigators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do private detectives and investigators make?
The median annual salary for private detectives and investigators is $52,370.
What education do private detectives and investigators need?
Most private detectives and investigators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Criminal Justice/Police Science, Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism, Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation.
Is becoming private detectives and investigators a good career choice?
Private detectives and investigators is projected to see +6.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 3,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for private detectives and investigators?
Top colleges for aspiring private detectives and investigators include
Florida State University, George Mason University, Rowan University, Texas A & M International University, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to private detectives and investigators?
Private detectives and investigators may also be known as: Alarm Investigator, AML Investigator (Anti Money Laundering Investigator), Asset Protection Detective, Background Investigator, Bonding Agent, BSA Investigator (Bank Secrecy Act Investigator), Case Investigator, Cash Shortage Investigator, Certified Legal Investigator, Contract Investigator, Detective, Detective Investigator, District Agent, Employee Relations Investigator, Field Investigator, Fraud Investigator, House Detective, House Officer, Intelligence Agent, Investigations Assistant.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.