How to Become a Criminal Investigator: Requirements & Training
Explore the career requirements for criminal investigators. Read on to learn about the basic entry requirements, along with salary and job outlook information, to determine if this is a suitable career for you.
Career Information at a Glance
Criminal investigators collect evidence and gather facts to prepare a criminal investigative report for prosecutors. This profession demands strong physical and mental stamina along with specialized technical skills. Check out the following table for more details.
| Degree Required | Bachelor's Degree |
| Education Field of Study | Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, Psychology |
| Training Required | Police Academy; Varies for Federal Positions |
| Key Skills | Problem-Solving and Judgement, Communication, Leadership, Flexibility, Attention to Detail, Physical Strength and Stamina |
| Job Outlook (2020-2030) | 2% (for all detectives and criminal investigators)* |
| Median Salary (May 2020) | $86,940 (for all detectives and criminal investigators)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Does a Criminal Investigator Do?
A criminal investigator gathers facts, collects evidence, participates in raids and arrests, observes the activities of suspects, conducts interviews and examines records as they conduct an investigation in order to solve a crime. In addition to writing reports and keeping detailed records, they are often required to testify in court. Depending on what agency and department they work for, criminal investigators may be assigned a number of types of crimes, ranging from tax frauds to murder cases.
Criminal investigators may be required to travel. Since the cases are assigned on a rotating basis, their working hours are often irregular and no two days are the same.
What Are the Job Requirements?
Job requirements vary depending on location. In general, a potential candidate must be a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years old, possess a driver's license and conform to rigid physical and personal qualification standards. Since this position requires the development and maintenance of firearms proficiency, any felony convictions or misdemeanors can result in direct disqualification. After being hired, candidates will also need to complete a training academy specific to their agency.
A bachelor's degree is a compulsory requirement in order to apply for investigator positions in federal agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Pursuing studies in the fields of law, criminal justice, psychology, or social work help to develop the necessary skills and increase a candidate's chances of selection.
Some positions might also demand work-related experience, such as law enforcement, or a combination of education and work experience. For example, the FBI requires applicants to have at least two years of full-time professional work experience or one year if they have an advanced degree (master's or higher).
How Long Does It Take to Become a Criminal Investigator?
The length of time needed to become a criminal investigator depends on the agency. For instance, a criminal investigator within a police department often begins their career as a patrol officer before being promoted to a detective/investigator. They may need to work as a patrol officer for 3 years or more before becoming an investigator.
How Much Money Do Criminal Investigators Earn?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for all detectives and criminal investigators was $86,940 in 2020. By comparison, the median income for all police and detectives working in the federal government was $92,080 and those working in the state government earned $70,280.
What Are the Job Prospects?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a 2% growth in jobs projected for detectives and criminal investigators for 2020-2030. Although the increasing demand in public safety will result in a need for more officers, the competition among potential candidates is expected to be high. Candidates with investigative experience and knowledge of foreign languages have greater chances of getting hired.