Protective Services · Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$56–68k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$95–112k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
-0.7% · Declining
Projected decline of -0.7% from 2024 to 2034; about 8 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
2–4 years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Investigators
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Experienced Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Senior Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Director of Protective Services
You prioritize Achievement
This career is strongly aligned with Achievement — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Active Listening
Active Listening is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires some college or a registered apprenticeship, which matches common student preparation goals.
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