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Special investigator vs criminal investigative agent

The differences between special investigators and criminal investigative 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 investigator and a criminal investigative agent. Additionally, a criminal investigative agent has an average salary of $56,775, which is higher than the $50,623 average annual salary of a special investigator.

The top three skills for a special investigator include law enforcement agencies, background checks and child abuse. The most important skills for a criminal investigative agent are physical evidence, law enforcement agencies, and surveillance operations.

Special investigator vs criminal investigative agent overview

Special InvestigatorCriminal Investigative Agent
Yearly salary$50,623$56,775
Hourly rate$24.34$27.30
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs14,79925,834
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

Special investigator vs criminal investigative agent salary

Special investigators and criminal investigative agents have different pay scales, as shown below.

Special InvestigatorCriminal Investigative Agent
Average salary$50,623$56,775
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $80,000Between $38,000 And $83,000
Highest paying CityLompoc, CA-
Highest paying stateMaryland-
Best paying companyCity of Los Angeles-
Best paying industryInsurance-

Differences between special investigator and criminal investigative agent education

There are a few differences between a special investigator and a criminal investigative agent in terms of educational background:

Special InvestigatorCriminal Investigative Agent
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common college--

Special investigator vs criminal investigative agent demographics

Here are the differences between special investigators' and criminal investigative agents' demographics:

Special InvestigatorCriminal Investigative Agent
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 63.5% Female, 36.5%Male, 79.0% Female, 21.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between special investigator and criminal investigative agent duties and responsibilities

Special investigator example 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.
  • Ensure compliance of all plans and documentation by researching employment history, criminal records, civil filings, and DMV records.
  • Use specify techniques to safeguard PII including daily case document check out and bi-weekly case retention manifests.
  • Show more

Criminal investigative agent example responsibilities.

  • Conduct joint planning and manage AFOSI's criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations in northern Italy.
  • Deliver subpoenas and other legal requirements.
  • Provide direction and guidance on several high-profile homicide investigations, as well as numerous additional criminal and narcotics investigations.
  • Collect and disseminate intelligence and threat information concerning foreign intelligence and international terrorism to support commands using HUMINT sources.

Special investigator vs criminal investigative agent skills

Common special investigator skills
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 11%
  • Background Checks, 9%
  • Child Abuse, 7%
  • Insurance Claims, 5%
  • SIS, 5%
  • Local Law Enforcement, 4%
Common criminal investigative agent skills
  • Physical Evidence, 14%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 9%
  • Surveillance Operations, 8%
  • Subpoenas, 7%
  • Investigative Reports, 6%
  • Documentary Evidence, 5%

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