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The differences between special investigation unit investigators and special agents can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a special investigation unit investigator and a special agent. Additionally, a special agent has an average salary of $60,916, which is higher than the $49,213 average annual salary of a special investigation unit investigator.
The top three skills for a special investigation unit investigator include management system, BSA/AML and fincen. The most important skills for a special agent are professional work, national security, and local law enforcement.
A special investigation unit investigator works at an insurance company to detect and thwart fraudulent claims and activities. To carry out their duties, they must coordinate with staff to gather and analyze client information, perform research and analysis, travel to different sites to observe and investigate, and conduct interviews as needed. They may also investigate employees, examine their actions and information. Moreover, a special investigation unit investigator must maintain an active communication line with staff for an efficient and smooth workflow.
A special agent is responsible for investigating law violations and criminal activities by collecting pieces of evidence, including witnesses' testimonies, to release a warrant of arrest and initiate prosecution. Special agents work closely with other law enforcement agencies to identify threats, analyze occurring criminal activities, and connect intelligence records through observation and field investigations. They also attend court proceedings to present evidence for court decisions. A special agent must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills, assessing unusual situations, and handling suspicious activities.
Special investigation unit investigators and special agents have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Special Investigation Unit Investigator | Special Agent | |
| Average salary | $49,213 | $60,916 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $74,000 | Between $43,000 And $85,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | - | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | - | BNSF Railway |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a special investigation unit investigator and a special agent in terms of educational background:
| Special Investigation Unit Investigator | Special Agent | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Criminal Justice | Criminal Justice |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between special investigation unit investigators' and special agents' demographics:
| Special Investigation Unit Investigator | Special Agent | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.0% Female, 37.0% | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 2.8% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |