Detectives and Criminal Investigators
O*NET 33-3021.00 · SOC 33-3021
Projected Growth
+3%
2024–2034
Median Salary
$94k
per year
Annual Openings
9k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)
Education & How to Get In
📋
Job Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)
Most Detectives and Criminal Investigators positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Work Environment
Primary Setting
Analytical — research labs, offices, or remote
Work Style
Independent — focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Investigative (Thinkers)4.9
Conventional (Organizers)4.8
Realistic (Doers)4.2
Enterprising (Persuaders)4.0
Social (Helpers)2.7
Artistic (Creators)1.2
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