Employment of private detectives and investigators is projected to grow 5 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Technological advances have led to an increase in cybercrimes, such as identity theft, credit card fraud, and spamming. Internet scams, as well as other types of financial and insurance fraud, create demand for investigative services, particularly by the legal services industry.
Background checks will continue to be a source of work for many investigators, because both employers and personal contacts wish to verify a person's credibility.
Job Prospects
Strong competition for jobs can be expected because private detective and investigator careers attract many qualified people, including relatively young retirees from law enforcement and the military.
The best job opportunities will be for entry-level positions in detective agencies. Candidates with related work experience, as well as those with strong interviewing skills and familiarity with computers, may find more job opportunities than others.
Private Detectives and Investigators
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Total, all occupations
7%
Private detectives and investigators
5%
Protective service occupations
4%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
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