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
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- 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
Abilities
- Inductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
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 Criminal InvestigatorCertifying Organization
American College of Forensic Examiners
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Workplace Violence and Threat SpecialistCertifying Organization
McAfee Institute
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Social Media Intelligence AnalystCertifying Organization
McAfee Institute
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Critical InfrastructureCertifying Organization
International Foundation for Protection Officers
Type
Core
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 | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $39,911 |
| Median (50%) | $48,628 |
| High (90%) | $72,780 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $55,662 |
| Mid Level | $62,328 |
| Senior Level | $88,553 |
| Expert Level | $117,756 |
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%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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