IQ Required for Detective / Investigator
Detective / Investigator professionals typically score between 102 and 122 on standardized IQ tests, with an average of 112 (High Average).
112
High Average
102–122
Typical range
$89,300
Per year
3%
StableExplore this career from another angle
Compare the profession, test the career-fit question, or browse the wider job-demand ranking.
Am I smart enough for this career?
See why there is no hard IQ cutoff and what the profession's range really means.
IQ by Profession
Compare IQ ranges, salaries, and cognitive demands across 170+ careers.
Career-IQ Matcher
Explore careers that fit a cognitive profile or estimated score.
Cognitive Domain Emphasis
Different professions demand different cognitive strengths. Here is how the cognitive demands break down for Detective / Investigator professionals.
About Detective / Investigator
Detectives and investigators gather evidence, interview witnesses, and solve criminal cases for law enforcement agencies. The role requires strong logical deduction, verbal skills for interrogation and report writing, and the pattern recognition to connect disparate pieces of evidence.
The cognitive profile for this role emphasizes logical reasoning (30% of the cognitive demand) and verbal comprehension (30%). With an average IQ of 112, Detective / Investigator professionals fall in the high average range of cognitive ability, reflecting the intellectual demands of the role. See what this score means with our IQ Percentile Calculator.
Salary Breakdown
Compensation for Detective / Investigator professionals varies significantly with experience, location, and specialization.
Entry Level (10th %ile)
$48,800
Median Salary
$89,300
Experienced (90th %ile)
$138,000
Wondering if you’d make the cut?
These are the field’s numbers — the more useful question is where you stand relative to them, and why no cutoff exists.
Am I smart enough to be a Detective / Investigator?Related Professions
Explore other careers with similar cognitive profiles and IQ requirements.
Detective / Investigator is one of 147 professions ranked by the reasoning a job actually demands — O*NET ability ratings joined to BLS median wages, sortable by either.
How Our IQ Test Maps to This Career
Our comprehensive IQ assessment measures five cognitive domains, including the ones that most define success in Detective / Investigator roles: Logical Reasoning (30%), Verbal Comprehension (30%), Pattern Recognition (20%), Mathematical Ability (20%).
By taking our assessment, you will receive domain-specific scores that reveal how your cognitive strengths align with the demands of this profession. Whether you are considering a career as a Detective / Investigator or looking to understand your aptitude for the field, your results provide actionable insight into your fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ of a Detective / Investigator?
What cognitive skills are most important for Detective / Investigator?
How much does a Detective / Investigator earn?
What is the job outlook for Detective / Investigator?
Do I need a high IQ to become a Detective / Investigator?
Career Resources
Where to go next, whether you want the wider picture or your own number.
- IQ AssessmentTake the full 50-question assessment. No sign-up required to start.
- Career-IQ MatcherMatch your cognitive profile against real occupations.
- Career Advice ArticlesUsing cognitive strengths in a real job search.
- IQ Comparison ToolCompare a score against professions, college majors, countries and famous people.
Do you match the Detective / Investigator profile?
Take the full 50-question assessment to see your result range, then unlock your exact IQ and complete report.
By starting the assessment, you agree to our Terms of Service and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.