Q: Do investigators get paid well?

Yes, investigators get paid well. The average salary for investigators is about $59,000 yearly or $28.69 hourly. As most jobs go, factors like location, industry, and experience can determine your exact salary. On the lower end of the salary range, they may make around $40,000, typically for entry-level positions or low-paying states like Mississippi and Alabama. On the higher end of the salary range, they can earn around $88,000, typically for senior-level positions.

Q: Is an investigator a detective?

No, an investigator is not a detective. Although they have similar responsibilities and may perform similar duties, investigators have more freedom in who they work for and what kind of cases they take on. In contrast, a detective generally works for law enforcement and handles criminal cases.

Q: Is it hard to become an investigator?

No, it is not hard to become an investigator. The expected educational requirement and prior relevant experience are usually not too hard to obtain. It can take at least two to four years to become an investigator after graduating from high school. Some places of employment may hire a high school graduate and provide on-the-job training. Still, typically, employers look for college graduates who majored in criminal justice or law enforcement.

Question 1

Do investigators get paid well?

Accepted Answer

Yes, investigators get paid well. The average salary for investigators is about $59,000 yearly or $28.69 hourly.

As most jobs go, factors like location, industry, and experience can determine your exact salary. On the lower end of the salary range, they may make around $40,000, typically for entry-level positions or low-paying states like Mississippi and Alabama. On the higher end of the salary range, they can earn around $88,000, typically for senior-level positions.

Question 2

How long does it take to become an investigator?

Accepted Answer

It takes at least two to four years to become an investigator. Some places of employment may hire a high school graduate and provide on-the-job training, but typically, employers look for college graduates who majored in criminal justice.

Question 3

Is an investigator a detective?

Accepted Answer

No, an investigator is not a detective. Although they have similar responsibilities and may perform similar duties, investigators have more freedom in who they work for and what kind of cases they take on. In contrast, a detective generally works for law enforcement and handles criminal cases.

Question 4

Is it hard to become an investigator?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not hard to become an investigator. The expected educational requirement and prior relevant experience are usually not too hard to obtain.

It can take at least two to four years to become an investigator after graduating from high school. Some places of employment may hire a high school graduate and provide on-the-job training. Still, typically, employers look for college graduates who majored in criminal justice or law enforcement.

Question 5

What are the pros and cons of being a CSI?

Accepted Answer

The pros and cons of being a crime scene investigator (CSI) relate to upholding the law, being confronted with sad situations, and having good salaries. Here is a look at the pros and cons of being a CSI:

Question 6

What are the types of investigators?

Accepted Answer

The types of investigators vary but typically have to do with truth-seeking to comply with law, regulations, and justice.

Common Investigator Positions:

Fraud investigator: Specializes in investigating and identifying fraudulent activities within a company and its clients.
Criminal investigator: Specializes in the information and evidence of a crime scene, conducts interviews and searches or performs surveillance.
Background investigator: Specializes in researching and verifying potential hires' information.
Claim investigator: Specializes in examining facts of insurance claims to determine their extent and validity to prevent any fraud cases.
Credit investigator: Specializes in investigating credit history and standing of businesses and individuals by obtaining relevant financial data.

Question 7

What does a private investigator do?

Accepted Answer

A private investigator finds and verifies personal, financial, or legal information on behalf of clients who may be individuals or organizations.

Depending on the area of expertise, the work of a private investigator varies from searching for various persons to looking for evidence for potential criminal acts or corporate irregularities. In general, a private investigator also referred to as a field investigator, is usually hired to observe a given situation, investigate a case, and provide physical evidence to validate the nature of happenings.

Question 8

What is an investigator job?

Accepted Answer

An investigator job is about solving open cases, typically playing an essential role in criminal justice and law enforcement.

Collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and arresting suspects are among their many tasks. Some examples of responsibilities include collaborating with federal agencies such as the FBI and IRS, planning and supervising efforts to enhance the conduct of law enforcement, and writing detailed case reports to submit to the appropriate agencies.

Question 9

What qualifications do I need to become a criminal investigator?

Accepted Answer

The qualification you need to become a criminal investigator is a postsecondary education in criminal justice, criminology, or a similar field.

Additionally, you generally need prior experiences in a related field, such as law enforcement or military officer. You can obtain certifications to boost your expertise, such as Certified Fraud Examiner by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners or the Professional Certified Investigator by ASIS International. Furthermore, depending on the state, you may be required to be licensed, typically after you've had some form of postsecondary education and work experience. Also, having excellent skills in communication and decision-making would be advantageous.

Skills	Percentages
Law Enforcement Agencies	6.55%
Management System	5.50%
Customer Service	5.50%
Criminal Justice	4.97%
Senior Level Management	4.41%

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