Private Detectives and Investigators
Private detectives and investigators gather and analyze information about individuals or organizations for clients, or monitor private establishments for rule violations and unlawful activity. They work for detective agencies, security firms, law offices, or as independent contractors, conducting interviews, surveillance, and background research.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against private detectives and investigators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves conducting interviews and surveillance, reviewing documents and public records, and documenting findings through photographs or written reports. Investigators might spend hours monitoring locations, conducting background checks on individuals, or researching financial records. Work often requires travel between client sites and fieldwork, with office time devoted to compiling data and preparing reports for clients.
Who this work suits
Holland code CEI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to be detail-oriented and methodical, comfortable following established procedures and building organized case files. You're also entrepreneurial and relationship-focused, able to work independently or build a client base, and skilled at asking direct questions and analyzing information to solve specific problems.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Criminal Investigator · Veterans Health Administration · Phoenix, Arizona · $78117–$101558
- SUPERVISORY INVESTIGATOR (Director of Digital Forensics and Investigative Technologies) · U.S. Agency for International Development · Washington, District of Columbia · $169279–$197200
- Supervisory Equal Opportunity Investigator - Charge Receipt and Technical Information Unit (CRTIU) · Equal Employment Opportunity Commission · Washington, District of Columbia · $121785–$158322
- Entry Level Criminal Investigator - Northeast Area Field Office (NEAFO) · Office of the Inspector General, USPS · New York, New York · $67394–$96989
- Criminal Investigator - Northeast Area Field Office (NEAFO) · Office of the Inspector General, USPS · New York, New York · $88005–$163062
- Criminal Investigator (Reemployed Annuitant & CTAP/ICTAP/RPL) (Term Appointment) · Immigration and Customs Enforcement · Multiple Locations · $125776–$192694
- Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) · Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs · Keams Canyon, Arizona · $65545–$99774
- International Trade Analyst (Investigator) · U.S. International Trade Commission · Washington, District of Columbia · $85477–$111087
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $55,660 | $76,480 | $92,390 | 610 |
| Connecticut | $42,130 | $75,010 | $83,320 | 400 |
| District of Columbia | $46,330 | $72,720 | $107,920 | — |
| Vermont | $44,640 | $67,910 | $76,960 | 90 |
| New Hampshire | $46,970 | $65,370 | $78,300 | 280 |
| Washington | $46,580 | $64,080 | $84,700 | 750 |
| California | $45,380 | $61,250 | $82,110 | 4,190 |
| Arizona | $41,450 | $61,030 | $79,790 | 790 |
| Illinois | $44,380 | $60,210 | $79,140 | 1,300 |
| New York | $45,970 | $59,140 | $80,910 | 1,300 |
| Utah | $48,460 | $57,910 | $61,090 | 350 |
| Minnesota | $45,930 | $57,880 | $83,670 | 600 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- National Basic Crime Scene Investigator (NBCSI) — Law and Public Safety Education Network
- Certified Organized Retail Crime Investigator (CORCI) — McAfee Institute
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against private detectives and investigators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 33-9021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.