How To Become A Special Investigator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a special investigator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

The special investigator is in charge of looking for and collecting shreds of evidence of criminality like fraud or theft. You will be responsible for evaluating records and directing surveillance. You will also interview witnesses or suspects and record statements to get as much information as possible. Plus, you will need to record all findings, results, and data related to investigations in our database and share the information with the appropriate management. You will represent the company and partner with local and federal law enforcement to get assistance during an investigation into possible fraud cases and when it might be deemed criminal action.

Special investigators earn an average of $25.53 an hour and $53,109 yearly. However, a bachelor's degree in the field or related field is important for the post. Experience in the same post or related post in a law enforcement setting is an added advantage. Strong organizational and task management skills are required. Another required skill is an excellent ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

ScoreSpecial InvestigatorUS Average

Salary

4.0

Avg. Salary $50,623

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

10.0

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 2.82%

Black or African American 11.85%

Hispanic or Latino 16.87%

Unknown 4.99%

White 62.80%

Gender

female 36.51%

male 63.49%

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

7.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a special investigator

Explore special investigator education requirements

Most common special investigator degrees

Bachelor's

67.5 %

Associate

13.0 %

Master's

12.5 %

Start to develop specific special investigator skills

Skills	Percentages
Law Enforcement Agencies	10.84%
Background Checks	8.95%
Child Abuse	6.77%
Insurance Claims	4.87%
SIS	4.72%

Complete relevant special investigator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New special investigators 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 special investigator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real special investigator resumes.

Research special investigator duties and responsibilities

Gather and analyze pertinent documentation, collect recorded statements, report fraud, and manage data in support of subsequent litigation.
Gather and analyze pertinent documentation, collect recorded statements, report fraud, and manage data in support of subsequent litigation.
Complete a DMV check to verify applicant identity.
Conduct in-depth financial investigations to determine patient's eligibility for Medicaid.

Prepare your special investigator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your special investigator 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 special investigator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable special investigator resume templates

Build a professional special investigator 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 special investigator resume.