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Public Safety

Private Detectives and Investigators

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Private Detectives and Investigators
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Median pay

$52,370
Median annual pay for Private Detectives and Investigators.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

3,900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

43,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Private Detectives and Investigators in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+2,600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Less than 5 years of related work experience; Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1English Language
  2. 2Customer and Personal Service
  3. 3Law and Government
  4. 4Computers and Electronics
  5. 5Administrative
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Inductive Reasoning
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Deductive Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Conventional
  2. 2Enterprising
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Realistic
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Integrity
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Self-Control
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Stress Tolerance

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  3. 3Documenting/Recording Information
  4. 4Working with Computers
  5. 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  6. 6Analyzing Data or Information

Work context

  1. 1Telephone Conversations
  2. 2E-Mail
  3. 3Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  4. 4Freedom to Make Decisions
  5. 5Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
  6. 6Contact With Others

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Word · in demandFacebook · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyComputer imaging softwareEmail softwareLexisNexisWeb browser software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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