PI Institute of Education
Last reviewed: July 26, 2026
Quick answer
What did the December 2023 private investigation industry survey find?
The survey described a profession with varied experience, education, income, licensing reach, and business practices. Among the published findings, 41% of respondents reported a law-enforcement background, 35% were licensed in more than one state, 53% worked in a state requiring continuing education, and 61% relied on their private investigation business as their primary source of household income.
The report is a historical snapshot of its respondents. It should not be treated as a current licensing rule, a guarantee of income, or a statistically representative description of every private investigator.
Key findings reported in the December 2023 PI industry survey
| Survey topic | Published result | What it suggests about respondents |
|---|---|---|
| Law-enforcement background | 41% | Many entered the field with prior investigative or public-safety experience. |
| College education in criminal justice | 49% | Formal criminal-justice education was common but not universal. |
| Licensed in more than one state | 35% | A substantial group maintained multistate credentials. |
| State requires continuing education | 53% | More than half reported working under a continuing-education requirement. |
| State-association membership | 77% | Professional association participation was high among respondents. |
| PI business is primary household income | 61% | Most respondents treated the business as a primary career rather than supplemental work. |
| No case-management program | 67% | Many respondents reported operating without dedicated case-management software. |
Career background, experience, and professional connection
The report showed participation across career stages. It identified 17% of respondents with one to five years of experience and 20% with more than 31 years. That spread captures both newer entrants and long-established investigators.
The 77% state-association membership result is also notable. Associations can provide legislative updates, referrals, peer discussion, conferences, ethics resources, and continuing education, although the exact benefits and requirements vary by organization.
Licensing and education results should be read carefully. The survey reported what respondents said about their own work; it did not establish a nationwide standard. Private investigator licensing and continuing-education rules are set by the relevant jurisdiction and can change.
Income and business operations varied widely
The published income findings showed 25% earning under $50,000 and 32% earning between $50,000 and $100,000. The report also stated that 61% relied on the PI business as the main source of household income. These figures describe survey responses, not guaranteed earnings.
Business systems were less uniform:
- 67% reported not using a case-management program.
- 64% reported not using an outside payroll-processing company.
- 47% reported maintaining an office outside the home.
- 53% reported offering other private investigators a subcontracting discount between 5% and 30%.
For agency owners, these results create useful review questions: Are case records organized and access controlled? Are deadlines and evidence transfers documented? Are subcontractor scope, rates, confidentiality, licensing, and deliverables written down? Is the administrative system still appropriate for the agency's case volume and risk?
How to interpret the survey responsibly
A survey is most useful when its population, question wording, response count, collection method, and limitations are understood. The summary percentages on this page reproduce findings published in the December 2023 report. Readers should review the full PDF for the original presentation and any available context.
For broader occupational context, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes current national employment, pay, work-environment, and outlook information for private detectives and investigators.
Training connected to the survey findings
The report points to three practical development areas: maintaining professional knowledge, strengthening agency operations, and improving the consistency of investigative work.
Frequently asked questions about the PI industry survey
What percentage of surveyed private investigators had a law-enforcement background?
The December 2023 report stated that 41% of respondents had a law-enforcement background.
How many surveyed private investigators relied on their PI business as their primary household income?
The report stated that 61% of respondents relied on their private investigation business as their primary source of household income.
Did most surveyed private investigators use case-management software?
No. The report stated that 67% of respondents did not use a case-management program.
Where can I read the complete December 2023 PI industry survey?
The complete report is available as a PDF from PI Institute of Education. Readers should consult the original report for its full presentation and context.
Sources
- PI Institute of Education: December 2023 Private Investigation Industry Survey (PDF)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Private Detectives and Investigators
The survey figures are a historical summary of the published report and are not licensing advice, a wage promise, or a claim that the respondents represent every private investigator.
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