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Fraud Investigator, Investigator, PI, Private Investigator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Professional investigators look for evidence. In the course of their practice, they may:
To gather the information and evidence they need, professional investigators may:
No two assignments are ever the same. However, long hours and hard work are usually involved. A lot of it is routine. Professional investigators may work regular office hours as well as evenings, nights, and weekends. A lot depends on the assignment.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in compiling information for use in civil and criminal litigation matters; may also conduct polygraph tests (integrity surveys) for clients
Interest in conducting investigations to locate missing persons
Interest in speaking to question individuals to obtain information and evidence
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Professional investigators need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 208 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Aug 18, 2023 and Dec 16, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Patrol assigned areas | 124 |
|---|---|
| Attention to detail | 117 |
| Tasks: Enforce regulations to maintain order and resolve conflicts and to monitor establishment activities | 110 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 108 |
| Tasks: Produce reports | 108 |
| Construction Specialization: Judgement | 93 |
| Tasks: Prevent and detect shoplifting and theft in retail establishments | 81 |
| Walking | 75 |
| Tasks: Assist clients/guests with special needs | 73 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 70 |
Professional investigators must:
Individuals may be licensed in the following classes:
To do investigative work, individuals must hold an investigator class licence. They may hold more than one licence class. However, those with an investigator class licence may not also hold locksmith or automotive lock-bypass license classes.
Applicants for the investigator class licence must complete a mandatory Alberta Professional Investigator Training Course (AIT) or equivalent training. For more information, including training details and approved training providers, see the Government of Alberta website.
Some agencies require job applicants to have:
Related experience or education is an asset when seeking employment. Many agencies provide further training programs for new employees.
Investigators need a good working knowledge of the city or area where they work.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Professional investigators gather information to secure evidence relating to a wide range of private, corporate, and legal interests.
Under Alberta’s Security Services and Investigators Act [pdf], Security Services and Investigators Regulation [pdf] and Security Services and Investigators (Ministerial) Regulation [pdf], you must be licensed by the Government of Alberta to conduct surveillance activities or seek information about:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Investigator.
Further certification may be an asset when seeking work. For example, ASIS International offers Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) accreditation. It is recognized in the US and is gaining recognition in Canada.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most professional investigators work for investigation companies and security agencies. Some start their own agencies.
To open an agency, an investigator needs a contract business licence from the Government of Alberta. Applicants for this licence must:
Applicants who are sole proprietors must meet both business and individual requirements. (See Educational Requirements.) That is, they must submit both business and individual licensing application forms and documents. They are only required to pay the business licensing fee.
Advancement opportunities are limited.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Security guards and related security service occupations
2016 NOC: 6541
79.7% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Professional investigators are most often paid hourly with mileage. Some are paid a commission according to the fee paid by the client. Earnings vary a great deal depending on employer and experience.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $28.81 | $17.92 | $15.00 |
| Overall | $16.00 | $35.06 | $20.09 | $17.00 |
| Top | $17.00 | $37.06 | $23.52 | $22.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $38,019 |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | $35,993 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $34,207 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $47,444 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $33,187 |
| Educational Services | $48,415 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $59,185 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $22,491 |
| Public Administration | $77,425 |
Alberta Association of Private Investigators website: aapionline.ca
Alberta Justice and Solicitor General website: www.alberta.ca/justice.aspx
Canadian Association of Private Investigators website: capicanada.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 24, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
