Description
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.
Interests
- Conventional
- Enterprising
- Investigative
Work Values
- Independence
- Achievement
- Recognition
Work Styles
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Independence
- Initiative
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.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Working with Computers
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Detailed Work Activities
- Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Technology Skills
- Electronic mail software
- Presentation software
- Operating system software
- Spreadsheet software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
Skills
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
National Basic Crime Scene InvestigatorCertifying Organization
Law and Public Safety Education Network
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Financial Services Security ProfessionalCertifying Organization
American Bankers Association
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Professional Security Officer ProgramCertifying Organization
International Foundation for Protection Officers
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Organized Retail Crime InvestigatorCertifying Organization
McAfee Institute
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Social Media Intelligence AnalystCertifying Organization
McAfee Institute
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $NaN |
| Median (50%) | $NaN |
| High (90%) | $NaN |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–7 years), to senior level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $50,000 |
| Mid Level | $100,000 |
| Senior Level | $150,000 |
Employability
There are currently 38,800 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 40,700 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 5%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 5%
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), with ONET® being a registered trademark of USDOL/ETA. Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA; CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED); and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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