We surveyed 893 detectives to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical detective. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a detective?

Low

High

Working as a detective typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that detectives are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.

Can I learn to become a detective?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a detective typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a detective?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically difficult to find a job as a detective. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for detectives.

Info

Do detectives work full-time or part-time?

92% of detectives work in full-time roles while 8% work part-time.

Is being a detective stressful?

Low

High

Detectives tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.

Is being organized important as a detective?

Low

High

Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a detective.

How competitive is the workplace for detectives?

Low

High

Competition at work is not common for detectives.

Does being a detective require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for detectives.

Are detectives allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Detectives rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.

Do detectives have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

Detectives have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.

Is being a detective physically demanding?

Low

High

Being a detective may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.

Are detectives exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Detectives tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being a detective require attention to detail?

Low

High

Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a detective.

Does being a good detective require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as detectives.