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New Hampshire is a beautiful state with lots of different jobs you can do.
One job that lots of people think is really cool is being a private detective.
If you’re thinking about becoming a private detective, you should check out this article.
Reading it will give you a better idea of what being a private detective is all about.
Earn your accredited, affordable private investigation career diploma online with Penn Foster!
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Private Investigator Requirements and Responsibilities
In this state, the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of State Police is responsible for giving licenses to private detectives.
This means they need permission to work.
To get this, you have to pass a test and meet some simple rules.
Here are the rules:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be an American citizen
- Have a clean record
- Apply for the test
- Pass the test
- Get some experience
Many investigators take a class to learn more and get practice.
If you’ve worked in law enforcement, you might not need a class.
You need at least 100 hours of experience.
Basic tasks include:
- Watching people by yourself
- Recording events from far away
- Taking good photos from far away
- Staying healthy
- Understanding what clients need
There are some jobs that will require the PI to perform other tasks and duties than the ones mentioned above.
Private Investigator Training in New Hampshire
As we discussed earlier, private investigators don’t have to do any training by law.
But it is better to consider undergoing training anyway.
Training can help you charge more for your work and make you better at it.
If you’ve taken law enforcement classes or have a related degree, that’s a big plus.
Sometimes, any degree can work, even if it’s not directly related.
In training, you’ll learn what tools you need and which ones you don’t.
Every PI might have their own set of tools, like:
- Maps
- Computers, tablets, and such
- Binoculars
- Cameras
- Microphones
- Cars or motorcycles
You’ll also learn the NATO phonetic alphabet and common words used in the job.
If you’re looking for private investigator training in New Hampshire, you might be wondering where to find it.
These next institutions offer online training for future private investigators across the nation.
NITA 
NITA offers online classes for everyone who wants to become a private investigator.
These classes focus on improving investigation skills and getting you ready for the licensing test.
Each class costs between $99 and $350.
Some classes are specifically for those interested in becoming private investigators.
PI Education 
PI Education has a 70-hour online course for people seeking licensure.
Since it’s online, you’ll need a good computer and internet connection.
Finishing the course is like getting 70 credits.
To sign up, there’s a fee of $399.
Online programs are flexible, so you can attend while working or going to school, making it easier to train as a private investigator.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| NITA | online school |
| PI Education | online school |
Earn your accredited, affordable private investigation career diploma online with Penn Foster!
Becoming Licensed as a Private Investigator in New Hampshire
As I mentioned earlier, to become a licensed private investigator, you’ll need to pass a test and meet certain requirements.
However, there are costs involved in taking the test.
Just applying for the test costs $125, and then there’s an additional $100 fee for the test itself.
To apply, you’ll need to provide some documents:
- Proof that you meet the basic requirements
- A recent photo of yourself
- 3 sets of fingerprints
- A completed Form 46
If your application is approved and you pass the test, you’ll officially be licensed as a private investigator in New Hampshire.
But the journey doesn’t end there, as you’ll need to keep your credentials up to date.
License Renewal
Every two years, you’ll need to:
- Continue your education
- Pay a fee of $300
If you’re late with your renewal, there’s an extra $200 fee.
You’ll need to complete 16 hours of education and keep a record of it to meet the renewal requirements.
Salaries for Private Investigators in New Hampshire
Once you’ve got your license, it’s important to know what you might earn and where you could work.
On average, private investigators across the country make about 50,902 dollars per year.
In New Hampshire, the yearly average salary is around 51,602 dollars.
Take a look at the table below to see which cities offer even higher salaries for private investigators.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Merrimack | $55,202 |
| Nashua | $55,202 |
| Salem | $54,402 |
| Derry | $53,702 |
| Spofford | $53,402 |
| East Kingston | $53,302 |
| Sandown | $53,202 |
| Concord | $52,302 |
| Northwood | $52,002 |
| Waterville Valley | $51,902 |
Regional Salary in New Hampshire
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester, NH | 40 | $62,340 | $29.97 | $125,610 | $35,350 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all PIs in New Hampshire need a license?
The short answer is a strong “yes.”
What are some of the skills needed by PIs in New Hampshire?
These skills are some of the most important for a private investigator:
- Agility
- Attention to details
- Physical strength
- Discipline
- Knowledgable of laws and regulations
- Able to drive
- Comfortable approaching people
- Able to use technology and databases
Where do private investigators work in New Hampshire?
Private investigators work for:
- Private investigation and detective agencies
- As independent contractors
Independent PIs work for:
- Law firms,
- Financial institutions,
- Insurance companies,
- Corporations,
- Government agencies,
- Police departments
Read the full guide: How to Become a Private Investigator
Private Investigator by State