Detective

Your Fit

Income

$108K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

1.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Detective?

A Detective is a law enforcement professional who investigates crimes, gathers evidence, and assists in the prosecution of offenders. They specialize in various types of criminal investigations and work closely with other law enforcement agencies.

Sample job titles:

Criminal Investigator, Detective, Investigator, Special Agent

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Detective.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Detective earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Detective.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$78K per year	$97K per year	$108K per year	$118K per year	$127K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $43K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Detective do?

Work environment

Detectives typically work for local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies. Their work environment varies greatly, including offices, crime scenes, and various field locations. The job can involve irregular hours, extensive travel, and potentially dangerous situations.

Quick task list

Investigates criminal cases, gathers evidence, and interviews witnesses.
Conducts surveillance and undercover operations.
Prepares reports and maintains detailed records of investigations.
Collaborates with other law enforcement agencies and departments.
Testifies in court regarding investigation findings.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Homicide Detective: Specializes in investigating cases of murder and manslaughter.
Narcotics Detective: Focuses on crimes involving illegal drugs.
Cybercrime Detective: Investigates crimes related to digital and computer-based systems.
Fraud Detective: Specializes in financial crimes such as embezzlement and identity theft.
Sex Crimes Detective: Investigates crimes such as sexual assault and abuse.

Description

Being a detective requires a combination of investigative skills, critical thinking, and a strong commitment to justice. Detectives play a crucial role in solving crimes, requiring them to be meticulous in evidence collection and analysis. They often work on cases for extended periods, which demands persistence and resilience.

Effective communication is essential for detectives, both in interviewing witnesses and suspects and in collaborating with other law enforcement professionals. They must also be adept at report writing and presenting findings clearly and accurately. Detectives must remain unbiased, uphold ethical standards, and respect the rights of all individuals involved in investigations.

The work of a detective can be highly challenging yet incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact on community safety and well-being. It is a career path suited for those who are passionate about law enforcement, have a keen eye for detail, and possess strong problem-solving skills.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Solving complex cases and bringing offenders to justice.
Contributing to the safety and security of the community.
The intellectual challenge of piecing together evidence and solving crimes.

You might make a good Detective if you are...

Analytical and detail-oriented, with strong problem-solving skills.
Persistent and resilient, able to handle long-term investigations.
Effective in communication, both verbally and in writing.
Ethical and unbiased, with a strong sense of justice.
Capable of working under pressure and in potentially hazardous situations.

Pros:

Rewarding career with a direct impact on public safety and justice.
Variety in daily work, ranging from field investigations to courtroom testimonies.
Opportunities for specialization in areas of personal interest within law enforcement.

Cons:

Potentially high-stress and emotionally taxing job due to exposure to crime scenes and victims.
Irregular and long hours, often including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Risk of personal harm during investigations or confrontations.

How to become a Detective

Typical education

Most detective positions require a high school diploma at a minimum, with many agencies preferring or requiring a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Additionally, detectives usually have several years of experience as police officers before advancing to detective roles.

High school preparation

Courses:

Criminal Justice or Law Studies to understand the basics of the legal system.
Psychology to gain insights into human behavior and motivations.
Communication courses for effective interviewing and report writing skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in debate or public speaking clubs to develop communication skills.
Volunteering with community policing initiatives or local law enforcement agencies.
Engaging in sports or physical activities to maintain fitness and develop teamwork skills.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field.
Gain experience in law enforcement, typically by starting as a police officer.
Attend specialized training programs or workshops related to criminal investigations.

More resources

International Association of Detectives (IAD) - Offers resources and networking opportunities for detectives.
National Detective Training Academy - Provides specialized training courses for law enforcement officers.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Resources and information on federal level criminal investigations and careers.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.