Private Investigator Salary - How Much Can You Earn As A P.I.?

A private investigator salary can depend on several aspects including where you live an operate or whether you are in business for yourself.

The attractions of becoming a private investigator center around the variety offered by the job and this is true, but if it's not paying the bills then you need to re-assess why you're involved in the profession.

Going Into Business For Yourself

Obviously, the opportunity to work for oneself is a path many pursue. The potential income is far greater than working for an employer but the risks are obviously greater. These include setting up in business for yourself, overheads and expenses and being able to establish a clientele.

The set up costs if you base yourself from a rented office space can be a big drawback. The best advice for those private investigators with some entrepreneurial spirit is to set up base from home until such time as it's feasible to expand to more commercial premises.

Private Investigator Salary

So what sort of salary can you expect as a private investigator? A private investigator salary is about $50 per hour of work (if you work for yourself). The salary varies, depending on the number of clients that come to you. The average salary is around $37,000 per year in United States. An expert private investigator can earn up to $100,000 per year (for an agency), while a beginner might earn as little as $20,000.

Where you live and operate can have a huge bearing on your income potential. For example, living and working in an affluent area where disposable income is greater can provide some big pay days.

Alternatively, living in a less desirable neighborhood where the average income is not as great can reflect on the the type of private investigator salary you can earn.

In the final analysis, if you are just embarking on a career in private investigation then you'll need to earn your stripes. That is, it will take time to build up a reputation and get established until such time as you can start to attract the type of income your experience and expertise deserves.