How to Become a PI (Private Investigator): Career Guide
Key Takeaways
- Most states require PIs to complete 3-5 years of experience in the field, pass state exams, and submit fingerprints and background checks to become licensed.
- Some states count associate or bachelor’s degrees toward experience; voluntary credentials like the PCI and CLI demonstrate advanced expertise in case management or legal investigations.
- According to the BLS, private investigators earned a median salary of $52,370 in 2024; PIs in top-earning states, like Oregon and Maryland, reported median wages of over $70,000.
A private investigator (PI), also known as a private detective, is an independent legal professional who works for individuals or companies to find persons, assets, or evidence. Many people are familiar with being a PI through TV shows and popular media, but what do these professionals do in real life?
A day in the life of a PI could include using advanced surveillance, locating missing persons, or conducting background investigations for prospective employers. Most PI jobs don’t require a degree, though a bachelor’s in criminal justice could help prepare you for the profession. Use our guide to learn more about what PIs do and how to become one.
What Does a Private Investigator Do?
Private investigators conduct research and surveillance to uncover evidence for their clients or employers. Common job duties include tracking individuals and performing background checks. PIs must abide by the law at all times. While they may aid in criminal cases and carry firearms, PIs are not law enforcement officers.
Private investigators collaborate with professionals from several industries to discuss cases, conduct interviews, and gather information. Entry-level private investigators may also work with field experts or agencies. After gaining experience, a PI may open their own investigative business.
A Day in the Life of a Private Investigator
For private investigators, every case is unique. PIs must adapt their investigative techniques accordingly. Aspiring private investigators should expect to conduct extensive research, fact-checking, and communication daily.
- Giving a Quote: Prospective clients must discuss the potential case so the PI can determine whether to take it and provide an estimated cost.
- Completing Background Checks: PIs commonly perform background checks. This process involves reviewing information such as financial records, past employment, and criminal records.
- Conducting Online Research: PIs conduct extensive online investigations regardless of the type of investigation. They review databases, examine photographs, and track social media presence.
- Tracking Down Individuals: Private investigators may need to find individuals to complete surveillance or conduct interviews.
- Surveilling Individuals: Domestic and fraud cases often involve surveillance. PIs conducting surveillance may capture video, audio, or photographic evidence.
- Fact-Checking Data: PIs must fact-check all information before giving evidence to clients.
- Presenting Information: At the end of a case, investigators present organized data to their clients.
Types of Private Investigators
Fraud
Large corporations and insurance companies often hire private investigators to uncover evidence of fraud. PIs working for insurance companies may complete surveillance to prove or disprove a claim. Corporate investigators usually focus on financial documents.
Computer Forensics
Computer forensic investigators use technology to complete background checks, uncover fraud, and track down identity thieves.
Legal
Legal investigators work closely with attorneys, collecting necessary evidence for a case. These private investigators often work on personal injury and criminal defense cases.
Domestic
Private investigators often provide evidence in child custody disputes and divorce proceedings.
Missing Persons
In missing persons cases, private investigators may pick up where law enforcement officers left off. PIs study the missing person’s habits, interview their friends and family, and complete online research to find clues to their whereabouts.
Bounty Hunter
A bounty hunter works with bail bond agents to track down and apprehend fugitives who have skipped court. As a private agent, a bounty hunter’s arrest authority comes through a contract with the bond agent.
What Skills Do Private Investigators Need?
The companies and individuals who hire private investigators trust these professionals to undertake sensitive work with integrity, compassion, and confidentiality. PIs need to demonstrate specific technical skills and character traits to validate that trust.
Soft Skills
- Attention to detail
- Confidentiality
- Patience
Hard Skills
- Computers and technology
- Interviewing techniques
- Legal understanding
How to Become a PI
The path to becoming a private detective varies by state. Many states do not require higher education for licensure. Others expect a bachelor’s or associate degree or years of experience in the field.
Most states require private investigators to be at least 18-25 years old, hold U.S. citizenship, have a clean criminal record, and be of respectable character. They must also present no history of substance addiction or mental illness. However, not all states require licensure to practice as private investigators.
- 1
Research state licensure requirements.
Each state sets its requirements for licensure. Learn about your state’s requirements before pursuing higher education or taking the licensure exam.
- 2
Consider courses or degrees in private investigation.
Some states allow private investigators to fulfill experience requirements for licensure by earning certificates or degrees. Degrees can also help aspiring PIs increase job security and potential salary.
- 3
Gain required experience.
Many states expect individuals to hold years of experience in law enforcement, security, or investigation before applying for a PI license.
- 4
Take the licensure exam.
Though not needed everywhere, several states require applicants to pass exams to gain licensure.
- 5
Complete weapons training.
In states that allow private investigators to carry firearms, PIs should hold necessary permits and complete training with approved organizations.
- 6
Submit state license application.
After meeting the requirements for experience, education, and exams, individuals can apply for licensure. Applicants should include references, fingerprints, proof of experience and education, application fees, and a surety bond.
PI Education Requirements
Education requirements for private investigators vary across the United States. Private investigators need at least a high school diploma. Some states, like New York, do not require education for licensure. Other states, such as Nevada, accept higher education as part of experience prerequisites.
State licensure requirements often prioritize experience over education. However, some employers and clients may prefer formally educated PI candidates. A degree in criminal justice or legal studies can widen employment opportunities and increase starting salary. Many PIs also have backgrounds in psychology, law enforcement, or business administration.
Individuals hoping to work with criminal cases may benefit from crime scene investigation programs. PIs hoping to open their own practice may consider degrees in business administration. PI certificate programs can also demonstrate initiative and experience to potential clients.
License and Certification Requirements for PIs
Most U.S. states require private investigators to hold a state-issued license. Individual communities may maintain local licensure standards in jurisdictions without statewide licensure requirements. PIs can also join state associations to ensure quality practices.
Steps toward PI licensure may include an exam, a surety bond, and a background check. Applicants must also fulfill experience requirements and pay the necessary fees.
In addition to a professional license, private detectives can pursue certifications. Voluntary certifications can show credibility and expertise to clients and employers, thereby increasing salary potential.
Relevant certifications for PIs include:
- Professional Certified Investigator (PCI): ASIS International provides the PCI credential to investigators who have worked in security. Applicants must hold 3-5 years of investigative experience with two years of case management. They must also pass a 140-question exam. This credential proves mastery of case management, information gathering, and case presentation.
- Certified Legal Investigator (CLI): The National Association of Legal Investigators offers the CLI credential to PIs working in the legal field. Candidates must take an exam, submit a white paper, and commit to pursuing continuing education credits. Applicants need five years of legal investigative experience or a combination of professional experience and college education.
Private Investigator Training
Experience forms a crucial part of private investigator training. Many states require aspiring PIs to complete 3-5 years in the field before taking the licensure exam. Other qualifying experience may include working as a police officer, claims investigator, or security director. Some states count associate or bachelor’s degrees toward experience requirements.
Certain states mandate private investigator training courses for licensure as well. Private investigators who wish to carry firearms in states that allow them to do so may need to complete additional training courses.
How Much Does a Private Investigator Make?
$52,370
Median Annual Wage (2024)
+5%
Projected Growth (2023-33)
While a PI’s median salary is about equal to the national median, this number can fluctuate depending on where you live, what you do, and whom you work with.
The BLS reports that Oregon, Maryland, Illinois, and Minnesota are the highest-paying states for PIs, with median wages ranging from $72,000 to over $77,000. States with the lowest median wages include Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, with PIs earning only around $40,000 per year.
Industry is another factor in PI wages. For example, PIs who work in scientific research and development services bring home a median annual salary of $160,770. No matter where they live or work, experienced investigators with strong cyber detection skills tend to earn the highest wages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a PI
Private investigators sometimes collaborate with police officers to conduct criminal investigations. They may gather and assess information police can use to advance their inquiries. However, private investigators are not part of a public safety agency and must abide by the laws and ethics governing other private citizens.
