Occupation
Private Investigator

Industry
Homeland Security

Median Wages (2008)
$20.08 hourly
$41,760 annually

If you have always harbored the desire to be Sherlock Holmes, you may want to consider becoming a Private Investigator. Private investigators work independently of the police force to solve mysteries and crimes, search out facts and detect unlawful activity.

Between 2006 and 2016, 19,000 additional jobs will be added to this field. This job has a faster than average growth rate, with the total amount of jobs in this profession expected to increase by between 14 and 20 percent.

Work Tasks

• Write reports and case files to document investigations.
• Search computer databases, credit reports, tax and legal filings, and public records of individuals being investigated.
• Research employment history, financial history, and personal relationships of suspects.
• Obtain data and information about suspects, crimes, and disturbances.
• Work individual investigations.
• Attend court hearings to testify and present evidence.

Skills

• Ability to combine separate pieces of information together to reach conclusions.
• Ability to take general rules and apply them to specific problems.
• Good communication, listening and critical thinking skills.

Stepping Stone Positions
There is one federal apprenticeship related to this position: Investigator, Private. To become a Private Investigator, an apprentice needs to log 6,000 hours of training and pass a Private Investigator’s test. People without a law enforcement background are encouraged to attend a specialized school (a 10-week program can cost about $5,000) to get jump start their career.

For more information about becoming a private investigator, visit AssociatedContent.com.

To find apprenticeships in your state, visit the US Department of Labor State Apprenticeship.

For general information on apprenticeships, visit the US Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship.