Private Detective

Explore This Path

Uncover hidden truths and solve mysteries for clients seeking justice or closure.
Make a significant impact by revealing crucial information and ensuring accountability.
Engage in thrilling investigations using diverse resources and cutting-edge techniques.

💰 Earn $40K-$83K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 5% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

3,600 Annually

Median Earnings

$56,010 in California

$49,540 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Using data or completing tasks

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Coordination
Critical Thinking
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Receiving recognition

Deep Dive

Private Detective

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years