Detective Jobs

Detective jobs are open across law enforcement agencies, private investigation firms, insurance companies, and corporate security, from entry-level investigator to senior detective and lead investigator, with specializations in criminal investigation, fraud detection, and surveillance. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.

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Overview

Open roles148+
Top stateCalifornia
Top employerTJ Maxx
Top cityConcord, CA
Work type100% On-site
Top industryDistribution

Showing 5 of 148+ Detective jobs

Retail Loss Prevention Detective
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New 5h ago
Retail Loss Prevention Detective
TJ Maxx
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Business Development
Customer Success
Growth Marketing
$14.55 - $20.4/hr
10,000+

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Retail Loss Prevention Detective
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New 5h ago
Retail Loss Prevention Detective
TJ Maxx
Middletown, New York
Business Development
Customer Success
Partnerships & Business Development
$16 - $20.4/hr
10,000+

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County Detective - District Attorney's Office
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New 19h ago
County Detective - District Attorney's Office
Lehigh County Authority
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Compliance & Legal
Consulting & Professional Services
Legal Counsel
Peace Officer Certification
51-200

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Retail Store Loss Prevention Detective
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Added 1d ago
Retail Store Loss Prevention Detective
TJ Maxx
Louisville, Kentucky
Business Development
Growth Marketing
Marketing
$14.55 - $20.4/hr
10,000+

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Loss Prevention Detective
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Added 1d ago
Loss Prevention Detective
TJ Maxx
Fenton, Michigan
Business Operations
Program Management
Project Management
$14.55 - $20.4/hr
10,000+

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See All 148+ Detective Jobs

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Detective Job Market

Who's Hiring

  • TJ Maxx60
  • Marshalls42
  • HomeGoods13
  • Boscov's Department Store13
  • Macy's5

Top Industries Hiring

  • Distribution & Wholesale

What Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in detective jobs.

  • Prior law enforcement, military, or investigative experience of several years
  • Valid state-issued private investigator or law enforcement license where required
  • Proficiency with case management software and digital evidence handling
  • Strong written communication skills for report writing and documentation
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Protection Professional (CPP) credential preferred
  • Associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field

Tips for Your Detective Job Search

Tailor your resume to investigation type

Criminal investigation, insurance fraud, and corporate security roles each call for different skills on your resume. Lead with the case types you've worked, tools you've used, and outcomes you've delivered, not just your agency name and years served.

Highlight certifications beyond the badge

Employers increasingly want credentials like Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Protection Professional, or state-issued PI licensure listed front and center. If you hold them, put them in your resume header, not buried in a skills section at the bottom.

Apply early to roles that fit

Migrate Mate lists detective openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing without jumping between sites.

Read the job post for jurisdiction clues

Many detective postings quietly require a specific state PI license or law enforcement certification without flagging it as a hard requirement. Scan the full post for state-specific language before applying so you're not screened out on a technicality.

Prepare case study answers for behavioral interviews

Detective interviews frequently ask you to walk through a real investigation from start to close. Prepare two or three concise case narratives that show your process, the evidence you gathered, and how the case resolved, without disclosing confidential details.

Negotiate total compensation, not just base pay

Many detective roles, especially in corporate security and private investigation, offer shift differentials, on-call pay, mileage reimbursement, and equipment allowances that significantly affect your take-home. Ask about each line item before accepting any offer.

Detective Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions

Which companies are hiring the most detectives?

The companies hiring the most detectives right now include TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods, with the largest share of openings in California, New York, and North Carolina, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is strongest in insurance carriers, government agencies, and corporate security departments.

How many detective jobs are remote?

About 0% of detective openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, largely concentrated in fraud investigation, insurance claims review, and cybercrime roles where fieldwork is minimal. Roles requiring physical surveillance, crime scene work, or courthouse appearances remain almost entirely on-site.

How do you become a detective?

Most detectives start by completing a criminal justice or related degree, then gaining experience through law enforcement, military service, or an entry-level investigative role. You'll need a state PI license in most jurisdictions, which requires a background check and an application process. Building experience in a specialty like fraud or digital forensics helps move you into senior roles faster.

How do you get hired as a detective with little experience?

Start by targeting entry-level investigative assistant or case researcher roles at insurance companies, law firms, or private investigation agencies, which often hire without prior experience. Earning a Certified Fraud Examiner credential or completing an internship with a local agency adds credibility. Emphasize transferable skills like analytical thinking, attention to detail, and report writing in your application materials.

What does the detective interview process look like?

Detective interviews typically involve a structured behavioral round where you walk through past investigations, followed by scenario-based questions testing your judgment under pressure. Many employers in law enforcement add a written exam, polygraph, and background investigation. Private sector roles often include a practical exercise where you review a case file and explain your investigative approach to a panel.

Where can I find and apply to detective jobs?

You can find and apply to detective jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and specialization, and apply directly to each one from the listing page.

See All 148+ Detective Jobs

Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Detective Jobs