Field investigator vs credit investigator

The differences between field investigators and credit investigators 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 credit investigator takes usually requires 3-6 months. Additionally, a credit investigator has an average salary of $34,703, 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 credit investigator are financial statements, loan applications, and credit bureau reports.

Field investigator vs credit investigator overview

	Field Investigator	Credit Investigator
Yearly salary	$34,305	$34,703
Hourly rate	$16.49	$16.68
Growth rate	-6%	-3%
Number of jobs	49,068	9,442
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	4	6

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 credit investigator do?

A credit investigator investigates credit or loan applications to determine if applicants can uphold financial obligations, thus helping companies decide which applications to approve. They gather and evaluate documents, conduct research and analyses, study financial histories and credit reports, and calculate loan-to-income ratios. Most credit investigators work at banking institutions, lending firms, or similar establishments. In some companies, a credit investigator may also have the responsibility of running background checks on potential employees.

Field investigator vs credit investigator salary

Field investigators and credit investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Field Investigator	Credit Investigator
Average salary	$34,305	$34,703
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $50,000	Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	The Travelers Companies	-
Best paying industry	Insurance	-

Differences between field investigator and credit investigator education

There are a few differences between a field investigator and a credit investigator in terms of educational background:

	Field Investigator	Credit Investigator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Business
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	Stanford University

Field investigator vs credit investigator demographics

Here are the differences between field investigators' and credit investigators' demographics:

	Field Investigator	Credit Investigator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5%	Male, 28.5% Female, 71.5%
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, 10.5% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.9% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	10%	9%

Differences between field investigator and credit investigator 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).

Credit investigator example responsibilities.

Manage accounting operations, accounting close, account reporting and reconciliations.
Utilize credit reports such as Experian, Transunion Equitifax.
Work on A/R and billing for a manufacturing company specializing in premium orthopedic, reconstructive and postoperative products.
Provide direct service with customers to process loan modifications, typically under SBA regulations.

Field investigator vs credit investigator 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 credit investigator skills

Financial Statements, 15%
Loan Applications, 10%
Credit Bureau Reports, 7%
Credit Applications, 7%
Credit Investigations, 6%
Credit Worthiness, 5%

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Field Investigator
Field Investigator vs Credit Investigator

Updated January 8, 2025

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