How to Become a PI (Private Investigator): Career Guide
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?
Like their fictional counterparts, PIs conduct surveillance, interview witnesses, and search through documents to gather critical data — they might even go dumpster diving when necessary.
A day in the life of a PI could include using advanced surveillance, locating missing persons, or conducting background investigations for prospective employers. Our guide below can help you find out more about this exciting career.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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.
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:
PIs must note details others might miss. They must stay focused when analyzing movements, images, online sources, and behaviors.
Confidentiality:
PIs often handle sensitive cases, including fraud accusations, missing persons, and infidelity. They must keep all information confidential and store evidence safely.
Patience:
Many cases entail extensive research, dead ends, and false leads. Private investigators need the patience to continue investigating despite such setbacks.
Hard Skills
Technology:
PIs need tech skills, even if they don’t specialize in computer forensics. PIs use computers to complete background checks, research, and track.
Interviewing Techniques:
Interviewing is a crucial part of the investigation, especially since PIs do not hold the same authority as police officers. PIs should understand how to ask the right questions and get the necessary information.
Legal Understanding:
PIs cannot break laws and, therefore must know the limits of the law.
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.
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 justiceor 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.
Explore relevant degree programs:
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.
Not sure about becoming a PI?
Explore other careers in criminal justice.
How Much Does a Private Investigator Make?
Private Detectives and Investigators
Median Salary (2023)
$49,540
Job Outlook (2023-33)
+5%
While a PI’s median salary is about equal to the national median, this number can fluctuate depending on where they live, what they do, and whom they work with.
The BLS reports that Washington, Oregon, New York, Virginia, and Hawaii were the highest-paying states for PIs, with median wages averaging between $68,190 and $78,320. While major cities such as Seattle paid much higher-than-average salaries, small towns in Maine, Florida, and Texas also paid well.
PIs who worked for electric power companies, hospitals, and railroads earned much more lucrative salaries than investigators at general merchandise retailers. No matter where they live or work, experienced investigators with strong cyber detection skills tend to earn the highest wages.
To advance your career as a private investigator, consider earning a master’s in criminal justice or legal studies or pursuing certifications such as the CLI or PCI.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a PI
Do private investigators work with police?
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.
Do you need a license to be a private investigator?
Most states require private investigators to hold a license, but licensure requirements vary. Typically, you must be older than 18 (or 25 in some cases), undergo a background check, and pass a certification exam.
Seven states—Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Dakota—do not require licensure. However, in some states, you may need approval from your local municipality.
Where do private investigators work?
According to the BLS, 31% of private investigators work in retail, 20% in administrative and support services, 12% in finance and insurance, 9% in government, and 7% in professional services.
Louisiana, Idaho, and Maine have the highest concentrations of private investigators, but investigators in Washington, Oregon, and New York enjoy the highest annual mean wages.
What state is the easiest to become a private investigator in?
Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Dakota do not require state licensure, so they could be the easiest states to launch your career as a private investigator. However, some municipalities within these states may require you to be licensed, and state laws can change anytime.
Is being a private investigator a risky job?
Being a private investigator can be risky or even dangerous. Your level of risk depends in part on the specific work you do. A private investigator conducting surveillance or tracking down evidence may navigate much trickier situations than one investigating financial crimes using computer data.
