Curious about careers in investigation? You're not alone. Whether it's the adrenaline rush of criminal investigations or the detailed analysis in corporate settings, the investigation field is packed with exciting opportunities.
This article is your go-to guide for the best careers in investigation, perfect for anyone ambitious, inquisitive, and eager to make a real difference.
Quickstart Guide To Landing A Career In Investigation
- Polish your resume. If you want to land a career in investigation, start by updating your resume. If you need resume help, we recommend working with a resume writing service.
- Connect with a like-minded community. Connect with other individuals looking to change the way they think about work in The UnBREAKable Community!
- Search for jobs on ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter is our favorite job posting site! You can search for jobs for free and also upload your resume to ZipRecruiter's resume database.
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
12 Of The Best Careers In Investigation
1. Forensic Specialist
Median National Salary: $63,740/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: A forensic specialist is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting physical evidence related to criminal investigations. They use their expertise in forensic science, crime scene investigation, and laboratory analysis to assist law enforcement agencies in solving crimes and providing expert testimony in legal proceedings.
2. Criminal Investigator
Median National Salary: $91,610/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: A criminal investigator is responsible for gathering and analyzing evidence to solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. They use their expertise in investigative techniques, surveillance, and interviewing to uncover leads, collect evidence, and build cases that contribute to the successful resolution of criminal investigations.
3. Surveillance Analyst
Median National Salary: $138,141/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: A surveillance analyst is responsible for monitoring and analyzing data and activities to identify potential security threats or suspicious behavior. They use their expertise in surveillance techniques, data analysis, and risk assessment to support security efforts and provide insights that help prevent and address security breaches or criminal activities.
4. Fraud Examiner
Median National Salary: $147,203/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: A fraud examiner is responsible for investigating and uncovering instances of fraud within an organization or financial system. They use their expertise in forensic accounting, data analysis, and investigative techniques to identify and address fraudulent activities, contributing to the prevention and detection of financial misconduct.
5. Fire Investigator
Median National Salary: $69,327/year
Education Required: Previous work experience in law enforcement or forensic science
Job Duties: A fire investigator is responsible for examining the cause and origin of fires, including arson, to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. They use their expertise in fire science, evidence collection, and analysis to conduct thorough investigations, provide insights into fire prevention, and assist in legal proceedings related to fire incidents.
6. Detective
Median National Salary: $61,905/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: A detective is responsible for investigating criminal cases, gathering evidence, and identifying suspects to solve crimes. They use their expertise in investigative techniques, surveillance, and interrogation to uncover leads, analyze evidence, and build cases that contribute to the successful resolution of criminal investigations.
7. Claims Investigator
Median National Salary: $65,243/year
Education Required: High school diploma or GED certificate
Job Duties: A claims investigator is responsible for conducting inquiries into insurance claims to verify their accuracy and legitimacy. They use their expertise in investigation, data analysis, and interviewing to gather evidence, assess claims, and determine the validity of insurance claims, contributing to the prevention of fraudulent or exaggerated claims.
8. Crime Analyst
Median National Salary: $65,006/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: A crime analyst is responsible for collecting and analyzing data related to criminal activities to identify patterns, trends, and potential leads for law enforcement agencies. They use their expertise in data analysis, geographic profiling, and crime mapping to provide insights that support crime prevention strategies, resource allocation, and the investigation of criminal incidents.
9. Polygraph Examiner
Median National Salary: $67,665/year
Education Required: Training accredited by the American Polygraph Association
Job Duties: A polygraph examiner is responsible for conducting polygraph tests to assess the truthfulness of individuals involved in criminal investigations or security-related matters. They use their expertise in polygraph techniques, interview methods, and physiological responses to determine the credibility of statements and provide insights that contribute to investigative efforts.
10. Forensic DNA Analyst
Median National Salary: $90,605/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: A forensic DNA analyst is responsible for analyzing DNA evidence to assist in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. They use their expertise in DNA analysis, laboratory techniques, and data interpretation to identify and interpret DNA profiles, providing crucial evidence that supports the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases.
11. Risk Investigator
Median National Salary: $83,215/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: A risk investigator is responsible for evaluating potential risks and threats to an organization, such as fraud, security breaches, and compliance issues. They use their expertise in risk assessment, investigative techniques, and data analysis to identify vulnerabilities, assess potential threats, and develop strategies to mitigate risks and protect the organization's interests.
12. Federal Agent
Median National Salary: $65,642/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: A federal agent is responsible for enforcing federal laws, investigating criminal activities, and ensuring national security. They use their expertise in law enforcement, surveillance, and investigative techniques to address a wide range of federal crimes and protect the country from threats both domestically and internationally.
Requirements And Skills To Find A Good-Paying Job In Investigation
Landing a well-paying job in the field of investigation isn't just about having a keen eye for detail—it's about combining the right education, skills, and mindset. Here's what you need to break into this exciting and rewarding career path:
Education and Certifications
- Educational Background: Most investigation roles require at least a bachelor's degree. Fields of study such as criminal justice, forensic science, psychology, or even finance (for fraud investigation) are highly relevant.
- Professional Certifications: Depending on your area of interest, certifications can boost your credibility. Consider certifications like Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) for specialized roles.
Essential Skills
- Analytical Thinking: The ability to analyze information critically and think logically is paramount. You'll often need to piece together disparate pieces of information to form a coherent picture.
- Attention to Detail: Small details can be the key to solving complex cases. A keen eye for detail is crucial in noticing anomalies and inconsistencies.
- Communication Skills: Whether it's writing detailed reports or presenting findings, clear and concise communication is essential. You'll need to explain complex information in a way that's accessible to others.
- Ethical Judgment: Integrity and ethical judgment are non-negotiable. You'll often handle sensitive information and must do so with the utmost discretion and ethical consideration.
- Technical Proficiency: In today's digital age, being tech-savvy is a must. Familiarity with digital investigation tools and cybersecurity principles can set you apart in fields like cybercrime investigation.
Personal Traits
- Persistence: The willingness to follow leads and not give up easily, even when the trail seems cold.
- Curiosity: A natural curiosity will drive you to ask questions, seek out information, and not take things at face value.
- Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new technologies, methodologies, and changes in the legal landscape is crucial.
Networking and Continuous Learning
- Professional Networking: Joining organizations like The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners or attending industry conferences can provide valuable connections and insights.
- Continuous Education: The field of investigation is always evolving. Stay ahead by pursuing advanced degrees, attending workshops, and keeping up with the latest trends and technologies.
Best Places To Find A Career In Investigation
Job Posting Sites
General job posting sites are a great starting point. Our top recommendation is ZipRecruiter. They list a wide range of opportunities, including those in the investigation field. You can use filters to narrow down your search to specific types of investigation jobs, locations, and experience levels. Remember to use relevant keywords to find the most suitable listings.
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
Professional Association Job Boards
Many professional associations in the field of investigation and related areas offer job boards. These can be invaluable resources for finding specialized positions. Associations often list jobs that are highly relevant and targeted to professionals with specific skills in investigation.
Government Career Portals
For those interested in criminal investigation, government career portals offer listings for local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. These portals often list openings for detectives, forensic analysts, and other investigative roles within various government departments.
Networking Events
While not a "place" in the traditional sense, networking events are crucial for finding opportunities in investigation. Conferences, seminars, and workshops can lead to connections with industry professionals who know of open positions or are looking to hire. Don't overlook the value of making connections in person or virtually.
Social Media and Professional Networking Sites
Professional networking sites and social media platforms can be excellent resources for finding investigation careers. Many companies and recruiters use these platforms to post job openings. Joining groups or following pages related to your field of interest can also uncover opportunities not listed elsewhere.
University Career Services
For recent graduates or those currently enrolled in relevant degree programs, university career services can provide tailored support in finding investigation roles. These services often have connections with employers looking to hire new graduates and can offer resources for finding internships and entry-level positions.
The Bottom Line
In the field of investigation, finding the right career path hinges on a mix of education, skill, and the right resources to uncover opportunities that align with your passion and expertise.
Remember, platforms like ZipRecruiter can be an invaluable tool in your job search, offering a wide range of listings in the investigation field and beyond. Start your search today and take the next step towards a rewarding career in investigation.
