Field investigator vs investigator

The differences between field investigators and 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 an investigator takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an investigator has an average salary of $71,406, 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 an investigator are law enforcement agencies, management system, and customer service.

Field investigator vs investigator overview

	Field Investigator	Investigator
Yearly salary	$34,305	$71,406
Hourly rate	$16.49	$34.33
Growth rate	-6%	6%
Number of jobs	49,068	5,085
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
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 an investigator do?

Criminal investigators play an essential role in criminal justice and law enforcement. Their job entails solving open cases that may take them weeks or even months to accomplish. Collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and arresting suspects are among their many tasks. They work at every level of criminal justice and law enforcement. For criminal investigators to succeed in their profession, they should have sound judgment, strong communication skills, ethical standards, physical fitness, and empathy. They also benefit from strong job prospects, in addition to an exciting and rewarding job.

Field investigator vs investigator salary

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

	Field Investigator	Investigator
Average salary	$34,305	$71,406
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $50,000	Between $42,000 And $119,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	The Travelers Companies	Apple
Best paying industry	Insurance	-

Differences between field investigator and investigator education

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

	Field Investigator	Investigator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	California State University - Bakersfield

Field investigator vs investigator demographics

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

	Field Investigator	Investigator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5%	Male, 56.6% Female, 43.4%
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, 13.5% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 4.7% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	10%	8%

Differences between field investigator and 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).

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Investigator example responsibilities.

Participate in and lead the controlled purchase of illegal narcotics and firearms to apprehend suspects.
Manage all business reporting to include; payroll, taxes, client billing, account reconciliations and compliance reports.
Manage corporate-wide document production relative to complex litigation cases.
Receive multiple letters of commendation for effective investigations that lead to successful prosecutions.
Collaborate with federal agencies, including the FBI, DEA, ATF and IRS.
Write a detail case report, and attach all supporting documentation necessary to write up SAR's where necessary per BSA.

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Field investigator vs 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 investigator skills

Law Enforcement Agencies, 7%
Management System, 6%
Customer Service, 5%
Criminal Justice, 5%
Senior Level Management, 4%
Child Abuse, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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