How to Research Salary Ranges and Benefits for a Private Investigator

Most private investigators (PIs) earn between approximately $19,000 and $38,000 annually. Those who work full-time for corporations usually have a full range of benefits.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• Computers

1. Understand that the detective novel "gumshoe" is self-employed, without benefits, and often without a regular income.

2. Get in touch with several private investigators in your area to get an idea about the volume of their work.

3. Interview owners of local detective schools you would consider attending. Ask them for a range of hourly rates charged by private investigators in your area. Also ask for a list of companies that employ the school's graduates.

4. Contact larger law firms and insurance companies to see if they have full-time investigators on their staff. Those individuals receive a regular salary and benefits.

5. Read career books about today's private investigators and about investigative work that is increasingly done via computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Add up your living expenses to see how much you would need to support yourself as a PI.
• Polish your computer searching skills if you want to be successful as an investigator.