Special investigator vs federal investigator

The differences between special investigators and federal investigators 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 federal investigator. Additionally, a special investigator has an average salary of $50,623, which is higher than the $50,277 average annual salary of a federal investigator.

The top three skills for a special investigator include law enforcement agencies, background checks and child abuse. The most important skills for a federal investigator are background investigations, law enforcement agencies, and litigation.

Special investigator vs federal investigator overview

	Special Investigator	Federal Investigator
Yearly salary	$50,623	$50,277
Hourly rate	$24.34	$24.17
Growth rate	3%	3%
Number of jobs	14,799	5,213
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

Special investigator vs federal investigator salary

Special investigators and federal investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Special Investigator	Federal Investigator
Average salary	$50,623	$50,277
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $80,000	Between $33,000 And $76,000
Highest paying City	Lompoc, CA	-
Highest paying state	Maryland	-
Best paying company	City of Los Angeles	-
Best paying industry	Insurance	-

Differences between special investigator and federal investigator education

There are a few differences between a special investigator and a federal investigator in terms of educational background:

	Special Investigator	Federal Investigator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Special investigator vs federal investigator demographics

Here are the differences between special investigators' and federal investigators' demographics:

	Special Investigator	Federal Investigator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5%	Male, 56.9% Female, 43.1%
Race ratio	Black 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, 12.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between special investigator and federal investigator 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.

Federal investigator example responsibilities.

Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
Handle and safeguard sensitive and confidential information, including personal identifiable information (PII).

Special investigator vs federal investigator 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 federal investigator skills

Background Investigations, 10%
Law Enforcement Agencies, 9%
Litigation, 8%
Federal Agencies, 8%
Security Clearance, 6%
Subpoenas, 6%

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Special Investigator
Special Investigator vs Federal Investigator

Updated January 8, 2025

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