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Private investigators are professionals who utilize their investigative skills to gather evidence on various cases.
Private investigators may work for an agency, attorney, or a citizen.
Some private investigators may even work side by side with law enforcement to help unravel crime details.
So, if becoming a private investigator has always been on your radar, this guide will help prepare you by listing several advantages and disadvantages of this profession.
By doing so, hopefully, you will be able to decide whether this is the right career choice for you.
Article Table of Contents
Pros of Being a Private Investigator
Here is a list of pros of being a private investigator:
1. Varying Work
Private investigative work is both diverse and exciting.
You’ll get to work on cases that range from various matters including infidelity to fraud.
When you first start working as a private investigator, you’ll be handling minor cases such as insurance claims and domestic issues.
Nonetheless, this is a great way to get your feet wet and learn everything there is to know about investigations.
It also helps you gain experience and earn a reputation that will help you receive more compound cases in the future.
But rest assured that no two days will be exactly alike.
2. Freedom in Work
Private investigators have a lot of autonomy in their workplace.
For instance, you can choose to work for a private agency or yourself.
However, becoming self-employed as a private investigator requires a certain level of independence, thus giving you the flexibility to create your work hours.
You’ll also have the freedom to choose cases you’d like to handle.
However, when you first start out working as a PI, your top priority will be cases that pay no matter the hours.
3. Mentally Challenge
Some people love an intellectually challenging job.
Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of cases that challenge you mentally when working in the investigative field.
There’s no doubt that investigative work requires you to have excellent problem-solving skills and critical-thinking skills.
You will sometimes have to think outside the box pick apart information and connect the dots, almost like a puzzle.
So, if you enjoy a job that keeps you on your feet daily, becoming a private investigator may be the perfect profession for you.
4. Great Pay
If you remain consistent and committed to your investigative work, you will succeed.
The same applies to any job, not just private investigators.
When just beginning as a private investigator, your salary may be a little bit all over the place.
However, as you settle further into your career, utilize better equipment, and gain a reputation, your pay will only increase.
The national average salary for private investigators ranges from $55,726 to $61,900.
But with enough experience and traction, you can make up to $96,600 per year.
5. Ability to Help Others
If you love helping others, you’ll certainly be fulfilled working as a private investigator.
Your goal as a PI is to help clients find closure, whether it be proving fidelity or reuniting a family.
Some cases that private investigators deal with involve proving the innocence of a person who has been wrongly convicted.
Regardless of the type of case you take, they will all have one thing in common: helping others.
If you are committed to making a difference in someone else’s life, becoming a private investigator may be ideal for you.
6. Develop Transferable Skills
Private investigators typically develop skills that can be transferred to other careers if they choose to advance in the future.
Private investigators must have decision-making skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking skills.
Many private investigators should also have technical skills, as they often use computers, phones, and surveillance equipment to collect evidence.
If you don’t want to pursue a college degree but wish to develop skills that can further your industry growth in the future, working as a private investigator is perfect.
7. High Customer Retention
If you own a business or work directly with people, you are always leaving your mark.
Once a client or customer invests in your services or product, they have also invested their energy and time, which is entirely valuable to them.
If your client or customer is highly satisfied with your work, there’s no doubt that they will return, or refer your work to others.
At this point, you’ve become indispensable.
This is a great way to find new clients and get recommendations.
Cons of Being a Private Investigator
1. Work Could Be Dangerous
One of the first disadvantages of being a private investigator is that you could run into dangerous work every so often.
Private investigators must track down and analyze information for various cases.
This could put them in harm’s way at times.
For example, people could feel threatened or become suspicious of your work, which could cause unnecessary stress.
As a PI, you must remember to put self-care at the center.
Additionally, continuing education and further training could help you tackle such concerns.
Depending on the industry you work in as a PI, there may be less dangerous situations to deal with.
2. Required to Be Licensed
Private investigators don’t need a degree, but most states require you to hold a license.
To file for a state license, you are typically required to have some sort of prior work experience as a private investigator.
This could make things more of a challenge for you when you’re just starting.
If you are an aspiring private investigator, it may help to work closely with an experienced PI to gain some experience.
This could help you gain your state license.
3. Unpredictable Work Schedule
Private investigators are required to gather evidence and check out every lead that they receive.
This could lead to unpredictable work hours.
Your work hours could fluctuate every day, since one case may require you to work more hours than another, including overnights.
Furthermore, you may even be required to work weekends and holidays.
If you dislike fluctuating schedules and hours that differ from day to day, becoming a private investigator may not be the best option for you.
4. Must Meet Certain Skill Requirements
When a person is hired as a private investigator, they are usually chosen because they have certain skills and experience.
Companies look for private investigators who can demonstrate those skills at all times, most of which can be challenging.
And because many cases are confidential, it could be challenging to exhibit experience.
Private investigators may gain necessary skills that are relevant to their field by joining law enforcement before becoming a PI.
5. Tasks May Be Repetitive
While being a private investigator is exciting, a lot of the work involves monitoring, research, and observation, all of which can be repetitive.
These tasks can become tiring after a while.
However, if you know exactly what you’re getting into before you become a private investigator, the repetitive work may not be as challenging for you.
Additionally, you’ll spend a lot of time on computer screens versus high-speed chases.
6. May Face Challenges if Starting Own Business
If you plan on working for yourself as a private investigator, you may run into several challenges when you are first starting.
Being a PI requires much more than just having a creative mind.
To be successful in this business, you must have a business mentality.
You must know how to run a business well, including marketing and dealing with different clients.
You’ll run across difficult clients from time to time who may question your hours and rates.
Knowing how to handle difficult challenges that come your way is important when it comes to working as a PI.
7. Costs for Start-Up
Besides facing business challenges, you will be faced with various start-up costs.
To start, private investigators need a state license and certificate in certain states.
Some states may even require PIs to have an apprenticeship as a part of the process to acquire a license.
In many cases, you may even be required to set up your private investigator training and pay for your license and additional expenses to start your career.
Pros and Cons of Being a Private Investigator – Summary Table
| Pros of Being a Private Investigator | Cons of Being a Private Investigator |
|---|---|
| 1. Varying Work | 1. Work Could Be Dangerous |
| 2. Freedom in Work | 2. Required to Be Licensed |
| 3. Mentally Challenge | 3. Unpredictable Work Schedule |
| 4. Great Pay | 4. Must Meet Certain Skill Requirements |
| 5. Ability to Help Others | 5. Tasks May Be Repetitive |
| 6. Develop Transferable Skills | 6. May Face Challenges if Starting Own Business |
| 7. High Customer Retention | 7. Costs for Start-Up |
Should You Become a Private Investigator?
Becoming a private investigator may not require much to get started, but requires your utmost dedication and commitment.
If you’re serious about putting in the effort, your duties as a private investigator can be truly rewarding.
Working as a PI means you’ll have the opportunity to help others, gain freedom in the work you do, and develop transferable skills.
But, you must always take the good with the bad.
This means that you must be okay with performing work that could put you in harm’s way, be open to obtaining a license, and work unpredictable hours.
If you feel that you can work through the challenges and tough times, a career as a private investigator may bring you a lot of success.