Private Investigator

How to Become a Private Investigator

Private Investigators are hired by individuals, businesses, and attorneys to conduct investigations concerning various legal issues.

A private investigator might be asked to:

  • Conduct background checks
  • Secure evidence to be used in court
  • Determine the cause of an accident or injury to a person or property
  • Research insurance claims and fraud
  • Gather premarital, fidelity, and child custody and protection information
  • Obtain proof of adultery or other illegal conduct to establish grounds for a divorce
  • Perform surveillance

Private investigators can also specialize in areas such as legal investigation, corporate investigation, financial investigation, or loss prevention among others. Private investigators may be hired by investigation agencies, law firms, employment agents, financial services companies, or may be self employed. Most states require private investigators to be licensed.

Private Investigator Education Requirements

Most private investigators have a bachelor’s degree in a business or criminal justice related field, but training requirements vary with specialization. For instance, investigators in the financial and legal fields often have backgrounds in finance or law.

Statistics show that:

  • 18% of private investigators are high school graduates (or equivalent)
  • 26% of private investigators went to some college
  • 8% have an associate degree
  • 34% have a bachelor’s degree
  • 13% have a masters degree
  • 3% have a PhD or higher

Job Outlook for Private Investigators

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistic, as of May 2006, median annual earnings of salaried private investigators were $33,750, with the middle 50 percent earning between $24,180 and $47,740. Earnings vary greatly by employer, specialty, and geographic area.

Employment opportunities for investigators are expected to grow 18 percent over the 2006-16 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. This could be a result of:

  • Heightened security concerns
  • Increased litigation
  • Increased criminal activity on the internet
  • Growing financial activity worldwide
  • The need to protect confidential information and property of all kinds

Competition for private investigator positions can be tough. This is a very popular second career for retired law enforcement or military personal. Proper training and education will give you the edge you need to get a job in this very competitive job market.

Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor