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.
Also called: Asset Protection Detective · Field Investigator · Investigator · Loss Prevention Agent · Loss Prevention Associate · Loss Prevention Detective
Median pay (national)
$52,370
$37,250–$98,770 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
38,700
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+6%
~3,900 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for private detectives and investigators shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $98,770 versus $37,250 at the bottom 10% — 2.7x. The median of $52,370 leaves roughly 89% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +6% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 3,900 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 50 states with released data, Oregon pays the most for this role (median $77,320, +48% vs the national median), while Mississippi sits lowest at $39,460 — a 96% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Word as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
- Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.
- Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual's character, financial status, or personal history.
- 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.
- Observe and document activities of individuals to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.
- Confer with establishment officials, security departments, police, or postal officials to identify problems, provide information, or receive instructions.
- Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
- Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Windows
- Computer imaging software
- LexisNexis
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Knowledge areas
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security
- Psychology