Hiring guide · Public Safety & Security
How to Hire a Private Investigator
Pay benchmarks, qualifications, sourcing, screening and interview questions for hiring private investigators, plus a plan to get them productive fast.
Write a clear job description, offer competitive pay (the national median is $51,220), recruit through licensed security training schools, verify State private investigator license where applicable, run a structured interview with a practical skills check, and onboard with a 30-60-90 day plan.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
The hiring market for private investigators
There are about 39,500 private investigators employed in the U.S., with roughly 3,200 openings each year. Employment is projected to change +5.5% from 2025–35 (faster than average). Expect competition for qualified candidates: speed and a strong offer matter.
Pay benchmarks for offers
| Candidate level | Annual | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th–25th percentile) | $36,740–$40,700 | $17.66–$19.57 |
| Typical / mid-career (median) | $51,220 | $24.62 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $73,990 | $35.57 |
| Top of market (90th percentile) | $97,630 | $46.94 |
*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.
What to look for
Must-haves
- High school diploma or equivalent (typical entry level)
- Licensing or certification required in your state
- Surveillance techniques
- Patience
Nice-to-haves
- State private investigator license
- Professional Certified Investigator (PCI)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Experience with cameras and video equipment
Where to find private investigators
- Licensed security training schools
- Military and law-enforcement transition programs
- Community job fairs and workforce centers
- Referrals from current officers
- Job postings that use common alternate titles: PI, Private Detective, Licensed Investigator, Surveillance Investigator
Screening checklist
- State security license or guard card verification
- Background checks according to state licensing rules
- Driving record if patrol vehicles are used
- A scenario-based interview on judgment and de-escalation
Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.
1. “Why private investigation?”
What a strong answer includes: Show interest and ethics.
2. “Describe surveillance experience.”
What a strong answer includes: Give examples.
3. “Are you licensed?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
4. “How do you stay within the law?”
What a strong answer includes: Mention specific rules.
5. “How do you write reports?”
What a strong answer includes: Show detail.
Practical skills checks
A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:
- Conduct Legal Surveillance (see the steps)
- Run a Skip Trace (see the steps)
- Write an Investigation Report (see the steps)
Red flags
- Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
- Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
- Unfamiliar with core terms such as Surveillance, Skip trace, Background check
- Negative talk about every past employer or coworker
Onboard for retention
The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Private Investigator 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Private Investigator training. Show them the path forward: Investigator Trainee → Licensed Private Investigator → Senior or Specialized Investigator → Agency Owner or Manager.
Hiring private investigators: FAQ
How much should I pay a private investigator?
The U.S. median wage for private investigators is $51,220 per year ($24.62/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($40,700), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($73,990). Adjust for your local market.
What qualifications should a private investigator have?
BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education. Look for State private investigator license and Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) where relevant, plus skills such as surveillance techniques, records research, and interviewing.
How long does it take to train a new private investigator?
Becoming qualified typically takes 1–3 years of experience. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “moderate-term on-the-job training.”