Private Detectives and Investigators
Did You Know:
- Work hours are often irregular, and the work can be dangerous.
- About 21 percent are self-employed.
- Keen competition is expected for most jobs.
- Most private detectives and investigators have some college education and previous experience in investigative work.
Industry Areas
- Investigation and Security Services
- Local Government (excluding schools and hospitals)
- Legal Services
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
- Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
- Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.
Overall Kind of Work
Private detectives and investigators assist individuals, businesses and attorneys by finding and analyzing information. They connect clues to uncover facts about legal, financial or personal matte...
Work Environment
Civilian
Many detectives and investigators spend time away from their offices conducting interviews or doing surveillance, but some work in the office most of the day, conducting computer searches and maki...
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 0.51% (0-20 Hours)
- 3.66% (21-34 Hours)
- 13.24% (35-39 Hours)
- 69.23% (40 Hours)
- 3.92% (41-49 Hours)
- 9.44% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Private Detectives and Investigators(33-9021)
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People:
Things: 
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills:
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards: 
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure:
Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 45.40% (Private For-Profit)
- 2.19% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 21.83% (State and Local Govt)
- 16.47% (Federal Government)
- 14.11% (Self-Employed)