Public Safety & Security career

Private Investigator

Also called: PI · Private Detective · Licensed Investigator · Surveillance Investigator

What private investigators do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a private investigator do?

Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial and personal matters, conducting surveillance, background checks, interviews and records research for clients. The median pay is $51,220 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–3 years of experience, and employment is projected to grow +5.5% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $51,220
    $24.62/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +5.5%
    2025–35, faster than average
  • Openings per year
    3,200
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    High school diploma or equivalent
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    1–3 years of experience
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    39,500
    Employment, 2025

What private investigators do

Private investigators work for law firms, insurance companies, businesses and individuals. They conduct surveillance, locate missing people, run background checks, investigate insurance and workplace fraud, interview witnesses and gather evidence for court cases. Some specialize in corporate, financial, legal or digital investigations.

Most states require private investigators to be licensed, often with experience, a background check and an exam. Many PIs have backgrounds in law enforcement, the military or insurance. The job offers independence and variety, but work can be irregular.

Typical duties

  • Conduct surveillance
  • Research public records and databases
  • Run background checks
  • Locate people and assets
  • Interview witnesses and subjects
  • Gather evidence for legal cases
  • Write detailed reports for clients

Work environment and schedule

PIs work in offices, cars and the field, sometimes for long hours waiting and watching. Some work involves travel or confrontations.

Schedule: Hours are irregular, including early mornings, nights and weekends, depending on cases.

A day in the life

  1. Set up surveillance outside a workers’ compensation claimant’s home.
  2. Document activity with video and notes.
  3. Research court and property records for a skip trace.
  4. Interview a witness for a defense attorney.

See a full day in the life of a private investigator →

Private Investigator salary

Half of private investigators earned more than $51,220 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $36,740 for the lowest 10% to $97,630 for the top 10%.

Full private investigator pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a private investigator

  1. Build experience
  2. Learn the laws
  3. Get licensed
  4. Work for an agency
  5. Advance

A high school diploma plus experience is typical; many PIs have degrees in criminal justice. Most states require a license, often with experience requirements and an exam.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a private investigator →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Surveillance techniques
  • Records research
  • Interviewing
  • Report writing
  • Evidence documentation

People skills

  • Patience
  • Discretion
  • Persistence
  • Communication

All private investigator skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Independence
  • Variety of cases
  • Option to run your own business
  • Uses law enforcement or military skills

Cons

  • Irregular hours
  • Long, boring surveillance at times
  • Licensing requirements
  • Income can vary

Certifications and licenses

  • State private investigator license: Required in most states.
  • Professional Certified Investigator (PCI): ASIS International credential.
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE): Credential for fraud investigations.
  • Firearm permit: Required if armed and allowed by law.

Career path

  1. Investigator Trainee: Assist with research and surveillance.
  2. Licensed Private Investigator: Handle cases.
  3. Senior or Specialized Investigator: Lead complex cases.
  4. Agency Owner or Manager: Run an investigation business.

Learn the job before day one

Our Private Investigator training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as conduct legal surveillance and run a skip trace, safety and how to land your first job.

View Private Investigator trainingIs this career right for me?

Detective

Investigate crimes, gather evidence and build cases that hold up in court.

  • $93,790
  • 3–5 years as a police officer

Security Guard

Protect people and property by observing, patrolling, controlling access and reporting.

  • $38,020
  • Days to 2 weeks

Claims Adjuster

Investigate insurance claims and decide how much should be paid.

  • $78,000
  • 3–12 months

Police Officer

Protect communities, respond to calls, investigate crimes and enforce the law.

  • $76,210
  • 6–12 months (academy + field training)

Compare: Private Investigator vs. Detective · Private Investigator vs. Security Guard · Private Investigator vs. Claims Adjuster · Private Investigator vs. Police Officer

Private Investigator FAQ

Do private investigators need a license?

Most states require one.

Can PIs carry guns?

Only where state law and licensing allow.

Can PIs record conversations?

It depends on state law; many states require consent.

How much does a private investigator make?

The median annual wage for private investigators was $51,220 ($24.62 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,740 and the highest 10% earned more than $97,630.

How long does it take to become a private investigator?

Most people need about 1–3 years of experience of training. A high school diploma plus experience is typical; many PIs have degrees in criminal justice. Most states require a license, often with experience requirements and an exam.

Do you need a degree to be a private investigator?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

More private investigator questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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