How to Research Salary Ranges and Benefits for a Private Investigator

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Understand that the detective novel "gumshoe" is self-employed, without benefits, and often without a regular income.
Step2
Get in touch with several private investigators in your area to get an idea about the volume of their work.
Step3
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.
Step4
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.
Step5
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.

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eHow Article:  How to Research Salary Ranges and Benefits for a Private Investigator

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