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Entry Level Detective Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Total entry-level wage: $28.62 per hour (includes per diem and based on an 8-hour workday). $15.50 ... Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or job environment to detect or assess ...

As an Entry Level Maintenance Technician , you will assist with repairs and help maintain ... to detect wear, misalignment, or other problems. * Assist in removing and replacing worn or ...

Military Security Officer

Sully, IA

$16.50 - $21/hr

Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

Military Security Officer

Tama, IA

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

Military Security Officer

Beacon, IA

$16.50 - $21/hr

Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

Military Security Officer

Grimes, IA

$17.25 - $22/hr

Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

Military Security Officer

Winterset, IA

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

Military Security Officer

Ashton, IA

$15.75 - $20/hr

Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

Military Security Officer

Villisca, IA

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

Military Security Officer

Oelwein, IA

$16.50 - $21/hr

Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

Military Security Officer

Sigourney, IA

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

Military Security Officer

Ventura, IA

$15.75 - $20/hr

Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

Military Security Officer

Lone Tree, IA

$16.50 - $21/hr

Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior ... to detect weapons, contraband, or unauthorized items; enforce traffic and parking regulations ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Detective information

See Iowa salary details

$27.2K

$58.1K

$92.5K

How much do entry level detective jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level detective in Iowa is $58,145.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,400.00 and $67,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level detectives during their first year on the job?

Entry-level detectives often encounter challenges such as adjusting to a heavier caseload, developing effective investigative techniques, and learning how to balance administrative duties with fieldwork. Building trust with colleagues and learning to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies can also take time. Additionally, new detectives may need to quickly adapt to unpredictable hours and the emotional impact of handling sensitive cases, but strong mentorship and ongoing training typically help ease this transition.

What is an entry level detective?

Entry level detectives are law enforcement professionals who have recently been promoted from patrol officer roles or have just started their careers in investigative positions. They are responsible for assisting in the investigation of crimes, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and helping to solve cases under the supervision of more experienced detectives. Entry level detectives often receive on-the-job training and may work on less complex cases while gaining experience. Their duties can vary depending on the agency, but their primary goal is to support the investigative process and learn the skills needed to advance in the field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Detective vs Police Officer?

AspectEntry Level DetectivePolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some agencies prefer college coursework; police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED; police academy training
Work EnvironmentInvestigative settings, offices, crime scenesPatrol, crime scenes, community interactions
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, detective divisionsPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Detectives typically focus on investigations and require police academy training similar to Police Officers. However, detectives often work in investigative roles within law enforcement agencies, whereas police officers handle patrol and community policing. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in daily duties and work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level detective?

To thrive as an Entry Level Detective, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice or law enforcement, often supported by a relevant degree or police academy training. Familiarity with investigative software, evidence management systems, and forensic tools is typically required. Critical thinking, effective communication, and persistence are standout soft skills in this position. These competencies are crucial for gathering evidence, solving cases efficiently, and collaborating with colleagues and the community.

Is it hard to get a job as an entry level detective?

Securing an entry-level detective position can be competitive and typically requires prior law enforcement experience, a clean background check, and sometimes specialized training or certifications. Candidates often need to demonstrate strong investigative skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure, with many agencies preferring applicants with law enforcement or related experience.

Can you just go straight into being an entry level detective?

Becoming an entry-level detective typically requires prior law enforcement experience, such as working as a police officer, and meeting specific qualifications like age, education, and background checks. Most agencies do not hire detectives directly without experience, and candidates often need to complete specialized training and demonstrate investigative skills before advancing to detective roles.

Can you go straight in as an entry level detective?

Entry level detectives typically need to complete police academy training and gain experience as a police officer before advancing to detective roles. Most departments require candidates to have a valid driver's license, pass background checks, and demonstrate investigative skills, often through years of service. Direct entry into a detective position without prior law enforcement experience is uncommon.
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Detective jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Detective jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Detective job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,145 per year, or $28 per hour.

Entry Level Maintenance Technician

Hog Slat

Humboldt, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Hog Slat rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

JOB SUMMARY:
Hog Slat, Inc. is seeking an Entry Level Maintenance Technician to join our Humboldt, IA Distribution Center.
As an Entry Level Maintenance Technician, you will assist with repairs and help maintain mechanical, electrical and hydraulic components for material handling equipment and other facility maintenance needs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Visually inspects and listens to machines and equipment to locate causes of malfunctions.
  • Dismantles machines and equipment to gain access to problem area.
  • Inspects and measures parts to detect wear, misalignment, or other problems.
  • Removes and replaces worn or defective parts of drive mechanism or hydraulic system.
  • Locates damaged air and hydraulic pipes on machine, and measures, cuts, threads, and installs new pipe.
  • Assist with the troubleshooting of electrical issues and repairs as required
  • Starts machines and equipment to test operation following repair.
  • Repairs broken parts
  • Analyzes and resolves work problems, or assists workers in solving work problems.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
High School diploma or general education degree (GED); and up to 1 year of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of and experience with electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems is a plus. Must be a hands on individual, with the desire to learn.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit.
Hog Slat Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age disability, veteran status or any other reason prohibited under Federal State or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job-related requirements.

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