Private Detective & Investigator
Also called: Investigator, Loss Prevention Detective, Loss Prevention Officer, Private Investigator
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 does a Private Detective & Investigator do?
- 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.
How to become a Private Detective & Investigator
Training: Bachelor's degree or a high school diploma or GED. Employees in these careers need one or two years of training. Both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers may be needed. An apprenticeship program may be a good choice for these careers.
Skills you'll use
Is it a fit for you?
- Perseverance
- Stress Tolerance
- Self-Control
- Achievement Orientation
- Integrity
Tools and technology
Questions people ask
How much does a Private Detective & Investigator make?
About $51,220 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $36,740 and $97,630. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.
How long does it take to become a Private Detective & Investigator?
Employees in these careers need one or two years of training. Both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers may be needed. An apprenticeship program may be a good choice for these careers.
Do you need a college degree to be a Private Detective & Investigator?
No four-year degree is needed. Bachelor's degree or a high school diploma or GED.
Is Private Detective & Investigator a good career to get into?
O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.
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Build my free kit →National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.