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Professional Investigator

Professional investigators gather information to secure evidence. Evidence may relate to a wide range of private, corporate, government, and legal interests.

Also Known As

Fraud Investigator, Investigator, PI, Private Investigator

NOC Codes

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

  • 6465.2: Private Investigators

2006 NOC-S

  • G625: Other Protective Service Occupations

2011 NOC

  • 6541: Security guards and related security service occupations

2016 NOC

  • 6541: Security guards and related security service occupations

2021 NOC

  • 64410: Security guards and related security service occupations

2023 OaSIS

  • 64410.04: Private investigators
Duties
Updated Mar 24, 2023

Professional investigators look for evidence. In the course of their practice, they may:

  • Work to prevent business losses caused by theft or fraud
  • Watch disability insurance claimants to see if they are working at another job while claiming disability, or if their activities are consistent with the claimed disability
  • Conduct searches for missing persons
  • Gather information for lawyers about defendants or witnesses in criminal and civil court cases
  • Gather material or evidence for individuals in divorce or child custody cases
  • Do pre-employment checks
  • Work with government agencies, such as provincial family maintenance agencies

To gather the information and evidence they need, professional investigators may:

  • Interview subjects’ employers, friends, relatives, and other sources
  • Take photographs and videotape events
  • Locate witnesses and obtain statements from them
  • Search through public records
  • Keep individuals under surveillance
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 24, 2023
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

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.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
E
Enterprising
This occupation
You
C
Conventional
R
Realistic
This occupation
You

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Your Work Personalities

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Private investigators
2023 OaSIS: 64410.04

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 24, 2023

Professional investigators need:

  • Tact
  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • A good memory
  • Mental alertness and physical fitness
  • An inquiring mind and affinity for detail
  • A determination to investigate each problem thoroughly
  • Integrity and the ability to remain neutral
  • Camera skills (photo and video)
  • The ability to blend into different environments
  • The ability to assess how evidence relates to an investigation
  • Skill in report writing
  • Excellent driving skills to maintain sight lines during mobile surveillance

They should enjoy:

  • Adjusting quickly to changing work duties
  • Finding creative ways to search for individuals
  • Working with people
  • Taking a methodical approach to compiling information
  • Working alone for long periods
  • Using technology and electronic devices
  • Making on-the-spot decisions when case conditions change

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Security guards and related security service occupations

2016 NOC: 6541

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 102 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 18, 2024 and Oct 07, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Own Tools/Equipment: Cellular phone
Own Tools/Equipment: Internet access
Attention to detail
Experience: 1 to less than 7 months
Tasks: Patrol assigned areas
Reliability
Teleworking Information: On the road job
Tasks: Enforce regulations to maintain order and resolve conflicts and to monitor establishment activities
Judgement
Tasks: Produce reports
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 24, 2023
  • Minimum Education Varies

Professional investigators must:

  • Be licensed by the Government of Alberta, and work for a licensed agency
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to work in Canada
  • Be competent and of good character
  • Have no serious criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted
  • Have no outstanding charges and not be the subject of a criminal investigation
  • Be fluent in English (to communicate with the public and first responders in emergency situations)

Individuals may be licensed in the following classes:

  • Security services worker, including loss prevention worker, security alarm responder, executive protection worker, and patrol dog handler
  • Investigator

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:

  • Valid first aid and CPR certificates
  • A valid driver’s licence
  • A vehicle

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.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Canadian Criminal Justice Academy
Medicine Hat College

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 24, 2023
  • Certification Provincially regulated

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 Investigator

Professional investigators gather information to secure evidence relating to a wide range of private, corporate, and legal interests.

Legislation

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:

  • Crimes, misconduct, or allegations
  • Causes of accidents, injury, or damage
  • The activities or reputation of a person
  • The location of property or whereabouts of a person

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Investigator.

 

Additional Information 

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.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 24, 2023

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:

  • Be a registered company in Canada with an address in Alberta
  • Hold a business licence or permit in the municipality where the business operates, if applicable
  • Carry liability insurance
  • Ensure that co-owners, partners, and board members have no serious criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted
  • Have no outstanding criminal charges and not be the subject of a criminal investigation
  • Pay a licensing fee

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.

Industry Concentration

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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation 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.

Security guards and related security service occupations
2021 NOC: 64410
Cool
Job Market
14,700
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 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.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

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
2.8%
Annual Growth
(Above average)
294
New Positions

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 24, 2023

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 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Security guards and related security service occupations

2021 NOC: 64410
Average Wage
$21.49
Per Hour
Average Salary
$38,721.00
Per Year
Average Hours
34.5
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 64410 Wage Profile

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 to supplement this data.

C: Lower Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $16.00 $32.64 $19.42 $18.00
Overall $16.75 $35.30 $21.49 $20.71
Top $17.50 $37.52 $24.53 $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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Retail Trade
Information, Culture, Recreation
Health Care & Social Assistance
Accommodation & Food Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
61%
61%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
38%
38%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
3%
3%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Social, Community and Protective Services
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 24, 2023

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.

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