Field investigator vs certified medical technician

The differences between field investigators and certified medical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a field investigator, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a certified medical technician has an average salary of $38,859, which is higher than the $34,305 average annual salary of a field investigator.

The top three skills for a field investigator include excellent time management, background checks and mental health. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Field investigator vs certified medical technician overview

	Field Investigator	Certified Medical Technician
Yearly salary	$34,305	$38,859
Hourly rate	$16.49	$18.68
Growth rate	-6%	5%
Number of jobs	49,068	164,424
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	4	12

What does a field investigator do?

A field investigator is responsible for collecting information and evidence to support ongoing investigations of law enforcement agencies. Field investigators analyze the occurrence and connections of criminal activities by gathering related cases and coordinating with scene witnesses. They also validate the information by conducting surveillance operations and coordinating with law professionals. A field investigator may also work for private clients, updating them regularly for the progress, and informing them of additional actions as needed to solve complicated cases.

What does a certified medical technician do?

Certified Medical Technicians are specialists in medical diagnoses by performing laboratory testing and analysis for hospitals and physicians. Their duties include lab sanitization to prepare for testing and collection, recording medical samples for testing, specimen preparation, blood drawing for donation and testing, and assisting physicians with sample collection as well as equipment handling in surgical rooms. They must also understand how to use complex and sensitive testing equipment such as cell counters, analyzers, microscopes, and centrifuges.

Field investigator vs certified medical technician salary

Field investigators and certified medical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Field Investigator	Certified Medical Technician
Average salary	$34,305	$38,859
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $50,000	Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Denton, TX
Highest paying state	California	Alaska
Best paying company	The Travelers Companies	Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry	Insurance	Health Care

Differences between field investigator and certified medical technician education

There are a few differences between a field investigator and a certified medical technician in terms of educational background:

	Field Investigator	Certified Medical Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Nursing
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	University of Connecticut

Field investigator vs certified medical technician demographics

Here are the differences between field investigators' and certified medical technicians' demographics:

	Field Investigator	Certified Medical Technician
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5%	Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 15.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 10.0% White, 53.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	10%	8%

Differences between field investigator and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Field investigator example responsibilities.

Manage and dispose of claims in litigation by preparing and developing strategy with defense counsel and consensus relative to litigation handling.
Conduct SIU investigations and activity checks/interviews.
Complete advanced SIU training in arson investigation, forensics, interrogation and statistical analysis.
Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
Work with lawyers, insurance investigators, medical providers, Medicaid clients, and co-workers to resolve issues.
Complete additional training and implementation of health insurance billing, both commercial and government (Medicare and Medicaid).

Certified medical technician example responsibilities.

Maintain the cleanliness of storage areas, trays, centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers and work area.
Administer medications to patients according to their medication record as scheduled, as needed according to physician orders.
Perform laboratory test and procedures in areas including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, coagulation, serology, and bacteriology.
Perform first aid and apply CPR when necessary.
Perform first aid or CPR during medical emergencies until paramedics arrive.
Assist the residents in their ADL needs and prepare their meals.

Field investigator vs certified medical technician skills

Common field investigator skills

Excellent Time Management, 29%
Background Checks, 9%
Mental Health, 8%
Criminal Justice, 5%
Law Enforcement Agencies, 5%
Comprehensive Reports, 4%

Common certified medical technician skills

Patients, 17%
Vital Signs, 12%
CPR, 8%
Administer Medications, 7%
Resident Care, 6%
HIPAA, 6%

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Field Investigator vs Certified Medical Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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