Special investigator vs private investigator

The differences between special investigators and private investigators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a special investigator, becoming a private investigator takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a special investigator has an average salary of $50,623, which is higher than the $48,019 average annual salary of a private investigator.

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

Special investigator vs private investigator overview

	Special Investigator	Private Investigator
Yearly salary	$50,623	$48,019
Hourly rate	$24.34	$23.09
Growth rate	3%	6%
Number of jobs	14,799	6,675
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	6

What does a special investigator do?

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.

What does a private investigator do?

Private investigators will require skills in surveillance, research, interviewing, critical thinking, and communication. Those who choose this career path will be called on to find information for organizations and individuals, as well as engage in different cases. An investigator's goal is to find legal, personal, or financial information through background checks, interviews, and surveillance.

Special investigator vs private investigator salary

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

	Special Investigator	Private Investigator
Average salary	$50,623	$48,019
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $80,000	Between $29,000 And $78,000
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 private investigator education

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

	Special Investigator	Private Investigator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Special investigator vs private investigator demographics

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

	Special Investigator	Private Investigator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5%	Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9%
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, 13.2% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 4.6% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	8%

Differences between special investigator and private 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.

Private investigator example responsibilities.

Manage all business reporting to include; payroll, taxes, client billing, account reconciliations and compliance reports.
Take ownership of the queue and promptly escalate any issues or obstacles to completing daily SAR filings
Conduct SIU, fraud, criminal, civil, and exploratory investigations as defined in client contracts.
Conduct different types of SIU investigations as well as civil, criminal, and asset background courthouse checks.
Serve subpoenas, coordinate witness court appearances, compile information from interviews, and developed/maintain community and informant contacts.
Create quality control documentation associate with manufacturing process, raw materials and quality testing procedures according to corporate and FDA guidelines.

Special investigator vs private 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 private investigator skills

Background Checks, 15%
Background Investigations, 12%
Video Surveillance, 12%
Subpoenas, 5%
Law Enforcement Agencies, 5%
Computer Database, 4%

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Special Investigator
Special Investigator vs Private Investigator

Updated January 8, 2025

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