How to become detectives and criminal investigatorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Protective Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$93,790

25th–75th pct. $69,330–$120,520

Top pay (est.)

$208,700

Top 10% $160,540

Pay in 5 years

$108,200est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$124,900est.

$107,400–$145,000

Outlook score

49/100

★★☆☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

37%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

+0.2%

7,800 openings / yr

How to become detectives and criminal investigators

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

Less than 5 years

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Key skills

Active Listening

4.5

Reading Comprehension

4.1

Speaking

4.1

Social Perceptiveness

4.1

Critical Thinking

4.1

Writing

4.0

Judgment and Decision Making

3.8

Complex Problem Solving

3.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Public Safety and Security

5.6

Customer and Personal Service

5.5

Psychology

5.4

Law and Government

4.9

Education and Training

4.7

Computers and Electronics

4.6

English Language

4.5

Administrative

3.5

What the work involves

Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsDocumenting/Recording InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeThinking CreativelyOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkProcessing Information

Important abilities

Problem SensitivityOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningOral ExpressionNear Vision

Training before entry

6–12 months

29%

3–6 months

23%

1–2 years

21%

2–4 years

10%

4–10 years

1–3 months

Related work experience

None

32%

1–2 years

19%

4–6 years

15%

2–4 years

11%

6–8 years

8–10 years

Up to 1 month

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as detectives and criminal investigators

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Security Guards Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules.	$38,020	41/100	39%
2	Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances.	$76,210	58/100	20%
3	Correctional Officers and Jailers Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures.	$58,940	36/100	24%
4	Firefighters Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk.	$59,280	58/100	8%
5	Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.	$33,580	64/100	8%
6	First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.	$106,040	61/100	15%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.