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.
$52,370
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+6% projected 2024–2034
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical Entry-Level Education
What They Do
Private detectives and investigators gather, analyze, and report information to clients regarding legal or personal matters.
Programs That Prepare You
College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)University of San Diego, CA
$143,943
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Curry College, MA
$121,483
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)Santa Rosa Junior College, CA
$111,649
Security Science and Technology(masters)Champlain College, VT
$110,892
Criminal Justice and Corrections(postbacc-cert)University of Louisville, KY
$102,190
Security Science and Technology(masters)University of Maryland Global Campus, MD
$101,880
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)University of Chicago, IL
$100,258Security Science and Technology(masters)University of San Diego, CA
$97,944
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Lewis University, IL
$96,146
Security Science and Technology(masters)Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL
$94,550
Security Science and Technology(masters)Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, FL
$94,550
Security Science and Technology(masters)Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ
$94,550
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)San Bernardino Valley College, CA
$94,285
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)University of Massachusetts-Lowell, MA
$93,930
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)San Diego Miramar College, CA
$91,647
Security Science and Technology(postbacc-cert)Salve Regina University, RI
$91,193
Criminal Justice and Corrections(doctoral)Nova Southeastern University, FL
$90,969
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Concordia University-Saint Paul, MN
$89,127
Security Science and Technology(masters)Utica University, NY
$85,450
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)Monroe Community College, NY
$85,061
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Columbus State University, GA
$82,799Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)University of Louisville, KY
$81,602
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)Moreno Valley College, CA
$81,339
Criminal Justice and Corrections(doctoral)Walden University, MN
$79,647
Security Science and Technology(masters)Capella University, MN
$79,297Related Careers
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