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The differences between special investigators and marshals 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 marshal. Additionally, a special investigator has an average salary of $50,623, which is higher than the $36,029 average annual salary of a marshal.
The top three skills for a special investigator include law enforcement agencies, background checks and child abuse. The most important skills for a marshal are safety standards, cleanliness, and sales floor.
| Special Investigator | Marshal | |
| Yearly salary | $50,623 | $36,029 |
| Hourly rate | $24.34 | $17.32 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 14,799 | 242 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A special investigator is responsible for gathering information and analyzing evidence to identify criminal activities and law-violating instances. Special investigators review surveillance devices, interview witnesses, and coordinate with law enforcement agencies to collect related reports. They sort and store documents securely on databases for reference, confirm statements, and assist in court procedures for in-depth investigation. A special investigator must be highly communicative and observational, especially in organizing materials and verifying information to support claims and file the appropriate legal actions.
The duties of a marshal primarily depend on their line of work or place of employment. They typically have high positions in various areas such as in the fire department, law enforcement, and even in aviation. Although the extent of their duties varies, it typically includes enforcing law and order, responding to distress, developing action plans, spearheading programs to protect lives and properties, and maintaining peace and security in facilities. Moreover, a marshal must be proactive in dealing with issues as there can be dangers on the job.
Special investigators and marshals have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Special Investigator | Marshal | |
| Average salary | $50,623 | $36,029 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $80,000 | Between $26,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lompoc, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | - |
| Best paying company | City of Los Angeles | - |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | - |
There are a few differences between a special investigator and a marshal in terms of educational background:
| Special Investigator | Marshal | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Criminal Justice | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between special investigators' and marshals' demographics:
| Special Investigator | Marshal | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5% | Male, 66.3% Female, 33.7% |
| 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, 11.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |