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Private Detectives and Investigators

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Gather, analyze, compile, and report information regarding individuals or organizations to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment.

Sample of reported job titles: Asset Protection Detective, Field Investigator, Investigator, Loss Prevention Agent, Loss Prevention Associate, Loss Prevention Detective, Loss Prevention Investigator, Loss Prevention Officer, Private Investigator, Special Investigator

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Tasks  |  Technology Skills  |  Tools Used  |  Knowledge  |  Skills  |  Abilities  |  Work Activities  |  Detailed Work Activities  |  Work Context  |  Job Zone  |  Education  |  Credentials  |  Interests  |  Work Styles  |  Work Values  |  Related Occupations  |  Wages & Employment  |  Job Openings  |  Additional Information

Tasks

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  • Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual’s character, financial status, or personal history.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals’ character or financial status.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Observe and document activities of individuals to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Confer with establishment officials, security departments, police, or postal officials to identify problems, provide information, or receive instructions.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Investigate companies’ financial standings, or locate funds stolen by embezzlers, using accounting skills.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Perform undercover operations, such as evaluating the performance or honesty of employees by posing as customers or employees.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Alert appropriate personnel to suspects’ locations.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Count cash and review transactions, sales checks, or register tapes to verify amounts or to identify shortages.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Monitor industrial or commercial properties to enforce conformance to establishment rules and to protect people or property.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Apprehend suspects and release them to law enforcement authorities or security personnel.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Warn troublemakers causing problems on establishment premises and eject them from premises when necessary.See more occupations related to this task.

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Technology Skills

Show fewer All 11 displayed     Show 15 tools used
  • Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software; Microsoft Access Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Electronic mail software — Email software; Microsoft Outlook Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Graphics or photo imaging software — Computer imaging softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Information retrieval or search software — LexisNexisSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Internet browser software — Web browser softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Office suite software — Microsoft Office Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Operating system software — Microsoft operating system; Microsoft Windows Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Web page creation and editing software — Facebook Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Word processing software — Microsoft Word Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

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Knowledge

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  • English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Administrative — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.See more occupations related to this knowledge.

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Skills

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  • Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Time Management — Managing one’s own time and the time of others.See more occupations related to this skill.

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Abilities

Show fewer All 18 displayed
  • Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.See more occupations related to this ability.

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Work Activities

Show fewer All 24 displayed
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Detailed Work Activities

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  • Prepare investigation or incident reports.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Investigate personal characteristics or activities of individuals.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Use databases to locate investigation details or other information.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Investigate crimes committed within organizations.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Interview people to obtain information about actions or status of individuals.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Observe individuals’ activities to gather information or compile evidence.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Balance receipts.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to respond to incidents.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with security or safety regulations.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Apprehend criminal suspects.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Prevent unauthorized individuals from entering restricted areas.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Warn individuals about rule violations or safety concerns.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Work Context

Show fewer All 22 displayed
  • Telephone — 94% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Electronic Mail — 80% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 80% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 64% responded “A lot of freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 60% responded “A lot of freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Contact With Others — 56% responded “Constant contact with others.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Time Pressure — 46% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Deal With External Customers — 53% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Sitting — 47% responded “Continually or almost continually.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 49% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 50% responded “Very important results.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Frequency of Decision Making — 46% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Letters and Memos — 49% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 52% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Duration of Typical Work Week — 57% responded “More than 40 hours.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 32% responded “Important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 31% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 31% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 37% responded “Very high responsibility.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Coordinate or Lead Others — 26% responded “Very important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 44% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Physical Proximity — 37% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”See more occupations related to this work context.

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Job Zone

Title Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree.
Related Experience Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
SVP Range (6.0 to < 7.0)

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Education


Percentage of Respondents
Education Level Required
38   Bachelor’s degree
25   High school diploma or equivalent

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16   Associate’s degree

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Credentials

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Interests

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Interest code: EC   Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.

  • Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.See more occupations related to this interest.
  • Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.See more occupations related to this interest.

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Work Styles

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  • Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Independence — Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.See more occupations related to this work style.

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Work Values

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  • Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.See more occupations related to this work value.

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Related Occupations

Show fewer All 10 displayed
11-3012.00 Administrative Services Managers
13-1031.00 Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
13-2023.00 Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
13-2072.00 Loan Officers
13-2081.00 Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
41-4012.00 Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products   Bright Outlook Bright Outlook
41-9021.00 Real Estate Brokers
43-3061.00 Procurement Clerks
43-4161.00 Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
53-2022.00 Airfield Operations Specialists Bright Outlook

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Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2020) $25.64 hourly, $53,320 annual
State wages
 
Local wages
  
Employment (2020) 33,700 employees
Projected growth (2020-2030) Faster than average (10% to 15%) Faster than average (10% to 15%)
Projected job openings (2020-2030) 3,500
State trends
 
Top industries (2020)
Administrative and Support Services
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data external site and 2020-2030 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

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Sources of Additional Information

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Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

  • ASIS International external site
  • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners external site
  • Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association external site
  • Fraternal Order of Police external site
  • Intellenet external site
  • National Association of Legal Investigators external site
  • National Association of Professional Process Servers external site
  • National Council of Investigation and Security Services external site
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook: Private detectives and investigators external site
  • Organization of Racing Investigators external site
  • World Association of Detectives external site

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This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

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