Post job

What is a major case detective and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a major case detective. For example, did you know that they make an average of $21.27 an hour? That's $44,241 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 3% and produce 20,600 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreMajor Case DetectiveUS Average
Salary
3.5

Avg. Salary $44,241

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
10.0

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.64%

Asian 2.70%

Black or African American 8.69%

Hispanic or Latino 11.84%

Unknown 4.89%

White 71.24%

Gender

female 33.33%

male 66.67%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a major case detective

  1. Explore major case detective education requirements

    Most common major case detective degrees

    Bachelor's

    65.0 %

    Associate

    30.0 %

    Master's

    5.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific major case detective skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Criminal Investigations100.00%
  3. Complete relevant major case detective training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New major case detectives learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a major case detective based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real major case detective resumes.
  4. Research major case detective duties and responsibilities

    • Apply proactive patrol, initiated/effect arrests, provide expert court testimonies, investigate crimes, and write detailed incident/investigative reports.
    • Supervise all-source intelligence collection, cycle and processes in accordance with FBI and DEA investigative requirements regarding information gaps.
  5. Prepare your major case detective resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your major case detective resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a major case detective resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable major case detective resume templates

    Build a professional major case detective resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your major case detective resume.
    Major Case Detective Resume
    Major Case Detective Resume
    Major Case Detective Resume
    Major Case Detective Resume
    Major Case Detective Resume
    Major Case Detective Resume
    Major Case Detective Resume
    Major Case Detective Resume
    Major Case Detective Resume
  6. Apply for major case detective jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a major case detective job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first major case detective job

Zippi

Are you a major case detective?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average major case detective salary

The average major case detective salary in the United States is $44,241 per year or $21 per hour. Major case detective salaries range between $29,000 and $66,000 per year.

Average major case detective salary
$44,241 Yearly
$21.27 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do major case detectives rate their job?

Working as a major case detective? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse protective service jobs