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Special investigator vs postal inspector

The differences between special investigators and postal inspectors 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 postal inspector. Additionally, a postal inspector has an average salary of $68,901, 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 postal inspector are bank fraud, law enforcement agencies, and criminal investigations.

Special investigator vs postal inspector overview

Special InvestigatorPostal Inspector
Yearly salary$50,623$68,901
Hourly rate$24.34$33.13
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs14,79920,088
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

Special investigator vs postal inspector salary

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

Special InvestigatorPostal Inspector
Average salary$50,623$68,901
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $80,000Between $39,000 And $119,000
Highest paying CityLompoc, CA-
Highest paying stateMaryland-
Best paying companyCity of Los Angeles-
Best paying industryInsurance-

Differences between special investigator and postal inspector education

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

Special InvestigatorPostal Inspector
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common college--

Special investigator vs postal inspector demographics

Here are the differences between special investigators' and postal inspectors' demographics:

Special InvestigatorPostal Inspector
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 63.5% Female, 36.5%Male, 76.1% Female, 23.9%
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, 12.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between special investigator and postal inspector 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

Postal inspector example responsibilities.

  • Manage customs service's facility and team in the immediate AO to active military and DoD civilians.
  • Conduct joint planning and manage AFOSI's criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations in northern Italy.
  • Experience obtaining grand jury subpoenas and have obtained and serve federal search, arrest and asset forfeiture warrants.
  • Perform background investigations of employees applying for security positions within the USPS.
  • Review and enforce the application of state laws and regulations pertaining to the CDFA.
  • Serve subpoenas to witnesses, suspects, financial institutions, internet service providers, etc.
  • Show more

Special investigator vs postal inspector 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 postal inspector skills
  • Bank Fraud, 15%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 12%
  • Criminal Investigations, 9%
  • Postal Service, 9%
  • Subpoenas, 8%
  • Inspection Services, 7%

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