Salary Breakdown
Private Detectives and Investigators
Average
$50,500
ANNUAL
$24.28
HOURLY
Entry Level
$30,160
ANNUAL
$14.50
HOURLY
Mid Level
$47,040
ANNUAL
$22.62
HOURLY
Expert Level
$79,460
ANNUAL
$38.20
HOURLY
Projected Jobs
Private Detectives and Investigators
770
Projected job openings through 2030
Sample Career Roadmap
Private Detectives and Investigators
Supporting Programs
Private Detectives and Investigators
No Results
Top Expected Tasks
Private Detectives and Investigators
01
Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
02
Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.
03
Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
04
Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual's character, financial status, or personal history.
05
Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.
06
Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.
07
Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.
08
Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals' character or financial status.
09
Observe and document activities of individuals to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.
10
Investigate companies' financial standings, or locate funds stolen by embezzlers, using accounting skills.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Private Detectives and Investigators
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
KNOWLEDGE
Customer and Personal Service
KNOWLEDGE
Law and Government
KNOWLEDGE
Computers and Electronics
KNOWLEDGE
Administrative
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Speaking
SKILL
Critical Thinking
SKILL
Reading Comprehension
SKILL
Complex Problem Solving
ABILITY
Inductive Reasoning
ABILITY
Near Vision
ABILITY
Oral Comprehension
ABILITY
Oral Expression
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
Related Careers
Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
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