Career in Private Investigation

Are you thinking of becoming a private investigator? Here are some of the details you might like to know, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Quick Facts: Private Detectives and Investigators
2010 Median Pay	$42,870 per year  $20.61 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Some college, no degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	1 to 5 years
On-the-job Training	Moderate-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2010	34,700
Job Outlook, 2010-20	21% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	7,100

What Private Detectives and Investigators Do

Private detectives and investigators find facts and analyze information about legal, financial, and personal matters. They offer many services, including verifying people's backgrounds, tracing missing persons, investigating computer crimes, and protecting celebrities.   

Work Environment

Private detectives and investigators work in a number of environments, depending on the case on which they are working. Some spend more time in their offices conducting computer searches and making phone calls, while others spend more time in the field conducting interviews and performing surveillance.

How to Become a Private Detective or Investigator

Private detectives and investigators usually have some college education. However, many jobs do not have formal education requirements; and private detectives and investigators learn on the job. Previous experience in investigative work can be beneficial. Private detectives and investigators need a license in most states.

Pay

The median annual wage of private detectives and investigators was $42,870 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of private detectives and investigators is expected to grow 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Increased demand for private detectives and investigators will stem from heightened security concerns and the need to protect confidential information and property of all kinds.