How Much Does Becoming a Private Investigator Cost?

$ Four-Year College - $10,700 to $31,914

$ $ Two-Year College - $5,000 to $15,000

$ $ $ Trade School - Up to $3,000

If you have great investigative skills and becoming a private investigator sounds intriguing to you, you may have several questions.

For instance, you may not be sure where to start in terms of costs.

Costs are important to understand on your journey to becoming a private investigator since they will vary from school to location.

Once you have started working as a private investigator, some of your duties will include:

• Reviewing cases
• Perform investigations undercover
• Perform debriefing consultations
• Take precautionary measures while performing surveillance duties
• Fill out detailed reports

The BLS predicts that private investigator jobs will increase by 5% from 2023 to 2033, which is considered average.

You can also expect up to 3,600 new job openings for this job every year over the next 10 years.

This guide will compare costs for various programs offered by trade schools, community colleges, and four-year degree programs.

How Much Does it Cost to Complete Private Investigator Trade/Vocational School?

Trade schools that offer programs to become a private investigator can vary and usually cost up to $3,000.

Various factors can affect tuition, such as online or in-person training classes.

It’s important to note that while vocational and trade schools are great options, many employers prefer those who have specialized training, including a two-year or four-year degree in the field.

Even though most vocational schools can cost up to $3,000, many of them fall between the $600 and $800 range.

Additionally, they take up to 12 months to complete but can take as little as four months.

In vocational and trade school, you will learn how to collect evidence that can be deemed admissible in court.

Students will also learn different laws so they can conduct their investigations accordingly.

Community College

Community colleges also offer programs for private investigators.

However, the cost you pay at a community college will depend on whether you enroll in a certificate program or an associate’s degree program.

For instance, a certificate program at a community college typically costs between $1,000 and $1,500, while associate’s degree programs can cost up to $15,000.

Many of these programs will provide an in-depth learning experience in the private investigation field.

The programs will cover public policy considerations.

If you choose to enroll in a four-year program and receive a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, you will pay anywhere between $10,700 and $31,914 per year.

If you choose to explore this option, you will learn more about policy analysis, criminal law, and much more.

Trade School vs. College by Numbers

National Average	Four-Year College	Two-Year College	Trade School
Average Cost	$10,700 to $31,914	$5,000 to $15,000	Up to $3,000
Time to Complete	4 years	2 years	Up to 12 months
Other Expenses	Books / Supplies / Equipment	Books / Supplies / Equipment	Books
Award	Bachelor’s degree	Associate’s degree	Certificate

How Much Does a Private Investigator License Cost?

Every state has different licensing fees for private investigators.

And while it varies by state, it typically ranges from $50 to $300.

Some states even require additional bond fees.

For instance, if you apply in Illinois, you will pay a $500 fee for your license and an exam fee of $298.

Furthermore, some states charge application fees that are separate from the license fees.

And finally, if you wish to carry a firearm, some states may charge a fee for that.

What Are the Additional Costs After Becoming a Private Investigator?

Private investigators use a lot of equipment to do their jobs successfully.

But before we discuss actual equipment, there are some additional costs associated with becoming a private investigator, such as travel expenses, legal fees (if the case goes to court), liability insurance, and more.

These costs may vary.

Concerning equipment, you may need to pay additional for the following:

• Tracking devices and software
• Recording devices
• Cameras
• Binoculars
• GPS tracker
• Night vision optics
• Computer equipment
• A reliable vehicle
• Pocket notebook and pen
• Body-worn covert camera
• Document scanner
• Cell phone
• Satellite navigational system

These costs will vary depending on whether you work for a company or if you’re self-employed.

Is Becoming a Private Investigator Worth the Investment?

Whether you feel becoming a private investigator is worth the investment depends on your own goals and other factors.

Overall, a career as a private investigator can be extremely rewarding if you possess problem-solving and investigative skills.

However, you must be comfortable with various upfront costs and fees for licensing and training.

There will always be a need for private investigators and the future and growth look promising.

So, if you feel you are ready to take the first step, you can start by searching for a program that best suits your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Private investigators perform investigations undercover.
• BLS predicts a 5% growth increase over the next 10 years.
• Trade schools can take up to 12 months to complete and cost up to $3,000.
• Community colleges offer both certificates and associate degrees.
• Community colleges cost between $5,000 and $15,000 but are much less for certificate programs.
• Bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice can cost up to $31,914 per year for criminal justice programs.
• License costs for PIs can range from $50 to $300.
• There are various additional costs, such as paying for your equipment, etc.