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Public Safety

Private Detectives and Investigators

Gather, analyze, compile, and report information regarding individuals or organizations to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment.

Annual openings

93

Median wage

$48,730

Typical education

High school (GED), though Associate's and Bachelor's degrees are often expected and they can count for part of the experience needed to advance to a Level 2 Private Investigator.

Growth 2026–2032

+10%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED), though Associate's and Bachelor's degrees are often expected and they can count for part of the experience needed to advance to a Level 2 Private Investigator.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

You must have a Private Investigators license after having passed the Colorado Private Investigator License Test and completed a background investigation to practice in Colorado.

Work experience

This can be an entry-level job. However, you must be 21 years of age to obtain a license and a Level 2 license requires 4,000 hours of experience, with education being able to count for some of those hours.

Private Detectives and Investigators can be employed by a variety of people or organizations, including individuals, companies, lawyers and police departments.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
  2. Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.
  3. Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual's character, financial status, or personal history.
  4. Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.
  5. Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.
  6. Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals' character or financial status.
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