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Special investigator vs investigation officer

The differences between special investigators and investigation officers 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 an investigation officer. Additionally, an investigation officer has an average salary of $66,489, 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 an investigation officer are criminal justice, patrol, and law enforcement agencies.

Special investigator vs investigation officer overview

Special InvestigatorInvestigation Officer
Yearly salary$50,623$66,489
Hourly rate$24.34$31.97
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs14,79967,540
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

Special investigator vs investigation officer salary

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

Special InvestigatorInvestigation Officer
Average salary$50,623$66,489
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $80,000Between $43,000 And $100,000
Highest paying CityLompoc, CA-
Highest paying stateMaryland-
Best paying companyCity of Los Angeles-
Best paying industryInsurance-

Differences between special investigator and investigation officer education

There are a few differences between a special investigator and an investigation officer in terms of educational background:

Special InvestigatorInvestigation Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common college--

Special investigator vs investigation officer demographics

Here are the differences between special investigators' and investigation officers' demographics:

Special InvestigatorInvestigation Officer
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 63.5% Female, 36.5%Male, 72.8% Female, 27.2%
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, 11.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between special investigator and investigation officer 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

Investigation officer example responsibilities.

  • Manage corporate-wide document production relative to complex litigation cases.
  • Screen entities against OFAC list to determine if enhance due diligence is required.
  • Serve active criminal warrants and subpoenas.
  • Patrol facility by foot and patrol vehicle.
  • Recover video evidence from CCTV surveillance systems.
  • Prepare, maintain and update OFAC block and rejection reports.
  • Show more

Special investigator vs investigation officer 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 investigation officer skills
  • Criminal Justice, 13%
  • Patrol, 9%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 8%
  • Administrative Hearings, 6%
  • SAR, 5%
  • Food Safety, 5%

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