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.

What you'd actually 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.
• 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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

Time pressure is a real part of the job; it rewards working independently; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 10.8% of private detectives and investigators are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are organized and detail-focused, take-charge and analytical.

Related careers

• Transportation Security Screeners
• Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
• First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
• First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
• Detectives and Criminal Investigators
• First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Quick questions

How much does a private detectives and investigator make?

The median pay is $24.62 per hour — roughly $51,000 a year, with the real range running from about $17.66/hr (10th percentile) to $46.94/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a private detectives and investigator?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a private detectives and investigator actually do all day?

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.