How much money do you make being a private investigator?
John Johnson
Updated on March 30, 2026
Additional Information
| Average Wage | $20.35 / hr |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $35,929.00 / yr |
| Hours Per Week | 33.3 hrs |
What qualifications do I need to become a private investigator?
There are currently no set entry requirements to become a private investigator. This is under review and in future you may need to complete recognised training and be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) before you can operate as a private investigator.
Are private investigators in demand?
Job Outlook Employment of private detectives and investigators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for private detectives and investigators will stem from security concerns and from the need to protect confidential information.
How hard is it to become a private investigator?
Investigators spend a lot of time waiting during surveillances, but they also spend hours researching prior. You need to work hard in any career to be proficient, but with private investigations it requires diligence and stubborn persistence to gather the information needed.
How many hours a week do private investigators work?
In a typical work week as a Private Detective and Investigator, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.
How long can a private investigator follow you?
A private investigator conducting surveillance will stop following you (at least for a few days) if you let them know you are aware that they are following you. Following someone that knows they are being followed is called rough shadowing and is extremely frowned upon in the industry.
Is it hard to be a private investigator?
How to become a PI or private investigator?
1 Find out your State’s licensing Requirements 2 Meet your State’s Education and/or Work Experience Requirements 3 Get your Private Investigator License (May also need: Certifications & Registrations) Once you get a license, you are ready to start working as a PI.
Do you need a GED to become a private investigator?
Most states require that you at least have a high school diploma, or its equivalent (GED), in order to apply for a PI license. Experience Requirements: Aside from education, many states require work experience before you can apply for a private investigator license.
How to become a private investigator in ncapi?
Private Investigator License In order to qualify for a PI license, you must have three years of experience in private investigative work (equivalent of 3,000 hours), or three years in an investigative capacity as a member of a law enforcement agency or other governmental agency.
Do you need a degree to be a private investigator in Florida?
As you research how to become a private investigator, you may be trying to determine if you need to get a degree or how to become certified to do this work. In Florida, you have to have a class “C” private investigator license, a degree is not a requirement.
