The best thing about my job is that there is no average day. One day I might be sitting at my desk typing out reports all day. Another day, I might not come into the office at all and be out in the field serving search warrants, conducting surveillance, doing arrests, going to court, meeting with defense attorneys, etc. My daily tasks depend on the caseload I have and what each of them requires.
CAREER
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$86,940
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+1.1% (little or no change)
Most Common Level of Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Detectives and Criminal Investigators Do
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
Other Job Titles Detectives and Criminal Investigators May Have
Criminal Investigator, Detective, Detective Sergeant, Fugitive Detective, Fugitive Investigator, Investigator, Narcotics Detective, Narcotics Investigator, Police Detective, Special Agent
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
There is no typical work day in the FBI. For the most part, I review large amounts of data from many different sources in furtherance of the investigations I am conducting. I work with the public and other government agencies regarding national security cyber matters. I make decisions about how to address certain cyber security threats and then act on those decisions accordingly. In cases that I can work towards criminal prosecution, I routinely work with the United States Attorney Office.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
- Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
- Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
- Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
- Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (42%)
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Computer Science
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Law Enforcement Record-Keeping and Evidence Management
Associates
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
With the FBI you can have a diverse background. In fact, they often look for that. The more diverse your knowledge base the better. Learn another language if you can. Broad technology skills are also beneficial.
Any management experience is good to have. Good social and interviewing skills are necessary. Special Agents also need to maintain physical fitness.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
The FBI doesn't care so much about where you go to school as long as you go and get a degree. Sometimes, what you major in isn't even focused on that much as long as you can demonstrate proficiency in particular areas. Focus on doing what interests you and going to a school that you feel comfortable at.
If you're interested in joining the FBI, I recommend living a clean life: no drugs, no criminal activity, and don't make poor choices on social media sites. Make good decisions. Focus on making good grades and being a good person. Become educated on the core requirements to become an FBI Special Agent sooner rather than later.
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
