Employers
Private investigators work full time or as consultants for private investigation and detective agencies. They may also work as independent contractors for law firms, financial institutions, insurance companies, corporations, government agencies, and police departments. There are 33,000 private investigators and detectives employed in the United States, and more than one-third work in the investigation and security services industries. Approximately 6 percent of private investigators are self-employed.
Starting Out
Some investigators get their start as interns in private investigation agencies. There is usually on-the-job training and they advance their knowledge and skills by taking educational programs through professional associations. Recent retirees from jobs in law enforcement or in the military often start a second career as private investigators.
- Airport Security Personnel
- Armored Truck Drivers
- Bodyguards
- Chief Information Security Officers
- Cryptographic Technicians
- Cybersecurity Architects
- Directors of Security
- FBI Agents
- Fire Inspectors
- Fire Investigators
- Forensic Experts
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators, and Analysts
- Internet Security Specialists
- Locksmiths
- Loss Prevention Managers
- Personal Privacy Advisors
- Secret Service Special Agents
- Security Consultants
- Security Guards
- Security Systems Installers and Workers