What is a private investigator?
Private investigators, also known as PIs, are like real-life detectives but for private cases. They work on all sorts of cases, from family issues to figuring out if someone’s doing something dishonest in a business. Their main job is to collect evidence, which might involve watching people without them knowing or talking to different people to gather clues.
Duties and responsibilities
The biggest part of a PI’s job is dealing with lots of information. They have to figure out what’s important and true. They’re really good at looking through records and documents to pull out the needed details. Many investigators used to work as police officers or have studied criminal stuff, which helps them know where and how to look for the right info.
Work environment
A private investigator’s workplace can change a lot. They might have an office where they meet with clients and do some research. But if they need to watch someone to see what they’re up to, they might spend a lot of time sitting in their car or hiding out somewhere to keep an eye on things.
Typical work hours
Private investigators usually work regular hours, but they also need to be ready to work at different times. Just like cops, sometimes the best time to find out what they need is at night or during weekends. So, their schedules can vary a lot depending on their cases.
How to become a private investigator
Becoming a private investigator is like training to become a real-world detective. Here’s what you need to do to start this cool career:
Step 1: Finish your education
First up, get your high school diploma. Then, think about getting a college degree in something like criminology, criminal justice, or pre-law. These subjects teach you a lot about the law and investigating. If you’re interested in catching financial crimes, a degree in finance or accounting is also a smart choice.
Step 2: Gain relevant experience
Most PIs start with some background in law enforcement or the military because these jobs give you lots of useful skills. If you’ve worked as a paralegal, collections agent, or in an insurance company, you’re also on the right track because these jobs teach you how to handle documents and evidence.
Step 3: Get trained and licensed
You’ll need specific training to be a private investigator. There are courses like the Private Investigation – OSINT (Open Source Tools) Course on Udemy that teach you how to do background checks and spot fake documents. Or, you can enroll in the Detective Training Institute online to learn surveillance techniques and how to use special databases.
Every state has different rules for getting a private investigator license. Some states might even require you to pass a test or take a course. You might need a job offer first in some places. Make sure to check what your state requires on websites like Private Investigator Edu.
Step 4: Do an apprenticeship
Some places want you to complete an apprenticeship. This means you’ll work with an experienced investigator, learning directly from them on real cases, which is a great way to see what the job is really like.
Step 5: Start working
Once you’re licensed and have the right skills, you can start working at an investigation agency or even start your own business. Now you’ll be the one solving mysteries and helping people find the answers they need!
How much do private investigators make?
There are many variables that go into determining how much a PI makes, from company size to experience to education just to name a few.
Highest paying states
- Colorado: $85,160
- Arkansas: $81,280
- Oregon: $78,480
- Virginia: $75,800
- Nevada: $74,860
The average national salary for a Private Investigator is:
$61,300
Types of private investigators
Private investigators can specialize in different areas depending on what people need help with. Here are some of the most common types:
Corporate investigator
These investigators work for companies to check out all sorts of things, like making sure a business deal is clean or digging into someone’s background. They might look into financial records or other company secrets to gather important info.
Background investigator
Background investigators are really good at digging up information about people. They look at public and private records to find things like where someone has lived, what they’ve posted on social media, and if they have a criminal record. They’re super helpful for finding people who have disappeared or owe money.
Family law and infidelity investigator
These investigators work on personal matters like divorces or custody issues. They watch and gather information on spouses to see if they’re being truthful or to check on their parenting. They also use special tools to find hidden money or track suspicious activities.
Fraud investigator
Fraud investigators work mostly with insurance companies to find out if someone is lying to get insurance money. They look into cases of fake injuries, fires that might have been set on purpose, or other types of insurance scams.
Forensic investigator
While police detectives handle most criminal investigations, forensic investigators step in when there are gaps or unsolved cases. They might take a fresh look at old cases, talk to new or old witnesses, and try to find more evidence to help solve mysteries that haven’t been figured out yet.
Other specialists
There are also investigators who specialize in finding hidden cameras and bugs, or who focus on online crimes like hacking or identity theft. These tech-savvy PIs help keep people safe from modern digital dangers.
Top skills for private investigators
Becoming a PI is exciting, but it requires some special skills. Here’s what you need if you’re thinking about this career:
Independence and initiative
Private investigators often work on their own, so being able to start and manage projects by yourself is super important. You need to be a self-starter who can keep pushing forward without someone telling you what to do all the time.
Communication skills
Being able to talk and write clearly is key. PIs need to explain things simply to their clients and write reports that make sense. They also need to be great listeners, especially when interviewing people and digging for the truth.
Problem-solving
Every case is a bit like a puzzle, and you need to be able to think through problems and find solutions. This might involve figuring out where to look for information or deciding the best way to watch someone without being noticed.
Stealth and surveillance
A big part of the job is watching people without them knowing. Being stealthy and able to blend in helps you gather important information without drawing attention to yourself.
Research skills
Knowing how to find and read both public and private records is crucial. You need to understand how to dig up useful info, whether it’s through online databases, court records, or other sources.
Interviewing techniques
Sometimes, you need to get information directly from people. Knowing how to ask the right questions in a way that makes people comfortable enough to open up is a skill that all good PIs need.
Looking for a new job?
Browse our national database of private investigator job openings and apply today
Private investigator career path
The journey to becoming a PI can vary depending on where you work and your own goals. Here’s how you can grow in this exciting career:
Working for corporations
Some private investigators start their careers in large companies. These companies often have room for growth into leadership roles. As you gain experience and prove your skills, you might move up to manage a team of investigators or lead major projects.
Working for investigation firms
If you work for a specialized investigation firm, you might also have the chance to climb the ladder. These firms often offer paths into management where you can oversee other investigators, handle more significant cases, or even run parts of the business.
Working independently
Many PIs choose to work for themselves, directly helping clients with their cases. Here, growth looks a bit different. It’s not about climbing a traditional career ladder but about expanding your business. The more clients you help, the more your reputation grows. You can start to charge more for your services and might even hire other investigators to help with the workload as your business grows.
Expanding your business
For independent PIs, success means building a strong client base and maybe even specializing in areas like fraud, family law, or corporate investigations. As you become known for good work, you can expand your services, take on bigger cases, and increase your earnings.
Position trends and outlook for private investigators
- Growing need for expertise: More people and companies need expert investigators. Whether it’s dealing with lawsuits or needing to check someone’s background, their skills are in high demand.
Employment projections
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for PIs is expected to grow by about 8% over the next ten years. This growth is faster than the average for all jobs. That means there will be more opportunities for people who want to enter this field.
Private investigator career tips
Soft skills and traits
Practice your communication skills. It’s important to be able to report your findings in a clear and concise manner and cover some sensitive information with clients. Practice puzzles. Each case will require some problem-solving, so exercising your brain is essential. Perfect your ability to work alone. There might be hours spent watching and waiting, so it’s good to have audiobooks or ways to stay alert and be good in those situations.
Commonly required skills and qualifications
Understand legal parameters for gathering information in your local jurisdiction and anywhere you might work. Improve camera skills. Surveillance will require the ability to snap photos for evidence, so practice using your camera and taking pictures in all kinds of settings. Remain in good physical shape. The job can require long periods of standing, sitting, or needing to move quickly. Keep up with your fitness to be prepared for anything. Gain experience with OSINT (open-source intelligence) software tools.
Develop a professional network
Build a good network. Having sources who are willing to help is crucial in gathering information. Here are a few professional networks to start with:
- World Association of Detectives (WAD)
- Council of International Investigators (CII)
- National Association of Investigative Specialists (NAIS)
- National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
Where the private investigator jobs are
Top companies
- Foglight Investigations
- BCI
- Gold Shield Security and Investigations
- CPI
- Sherlock Investigations
Top states
- California
- Montana
- District of Columbia
- Delaware
- Oregon
Top job sites
- Indeed
- ZipRecruiter
- Careerbuilder
- Monster
FAQs
What education do you need to become a private investigator?
Required education for private investigators can vary from state to state. You will need at least a high school diploma, and getting an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field is recommended, along with some training specific to private investigations.
Where are the easiest places to become a private investigator?
Alaska is the easiest state to become a private investigator because it has the most minimal requirements. You do not need a specific license to be a private investigator, only a business license if you are running your own business.
Do private investigators work with the police?
Private investigators work on a variety of different cases. If there is a criminal case that they have been hired to help with, they can share evidence with the police and work in tandem with them to obtain information. All evidence is gathered legally and can be used in court if the investigator follows all the appropriate rules and stays within legal parameters.
Are there any companies that hire private investigators?
Many companies use private investigators, and some have them on staff. Insurance companies often need additional information on claimants to ensure there was no fraud. Other common areas where investigators can help include finances, due diligence in acquisitions, and obtaining background information on potential hires.
What types of personalities make great private investigators?
Private investigators spend much time working independently, so self-motivation is important. Having tactfulness, observation, communication, and resourcefulness skills is extremely beneficial as well. Solving puzzles and thinking outside of the box will help solve cases that others haven’t been able to assist with.
Are real private investigators like the movies and television portray them?
Show business often portrays private investigators as shady characters that sneak around in the shadows. In reality, private investigators operate within the legal parameters and obtain information using all kinds of resources. Some surveillance requires them to be discreet, but it’s usually very different from what you’ve seen on screen.
What are the main duties of a private investigator?
Private investigators collect all kinds of information and evidence. Their primary duties are searching for information and organizing it in a way that is easy for the clients to understand. Surveillance, reviewing documents, interviewing persons of interest, and researching the topic at hand are also common practices.
Is it dangerous to be a private investigator?
Some investigative work can be dangerous, especially when doing surveillance or helping with a criminal case. It’s not dangerous for private investigators with experience and proper training. Private investigators reduce the risks by using the appropriate skills, resources, and information.
What is the difference between a detective and a private investigator?
A detective works for a law enforcement agency and handles criminal cases only. A private investigator can work on various cases, including civil and criminal. They are hired by a private client, where the detective works for the people. Both jobs require many of the same skills, so the biggest difference is who they report to.
Why do people hire private investigators?
Private investigators are hired for a variety of reasons. Anyone looking to gather information about someone or something can hire a private investigator to help obtain that information. Common reasons include missing persons, insurance fraud, infidelity, and child support.
What are the biggest risks of being a private investigator?
There aren’t many risks to being a private investigator if you are skilled and have the right tools. Unqualified PIs might get into dangerous situations or have mistakes in gathering data and doing something illegal. Always follow the law and stay within the legal parameters when working; you will reduce the risks.
How do private investigators gather evidence?
Private investigators have access to all kinds of databases to help gather information. They are experienced at searching through public records and understand how to find things that might be trickier for the layperson to spot. Surveillance is a common method to gather information as well. Cyber investigations have become an important part of evidence gathering now, with so much happening over the internet.