Working PIby Kendra Budd, Editor
The field of private investigation continues to evolve, but until now, data about the profession itself has been sparse. Today, the results from a new survey provide critical insights into the state of the investigative profession and give private investigators everywhere data they can use to benchmark their businesses and inspire growth.
With over 875 responses from PIs across the United States, the Nationwide Survey for Private Investigators is one of the most comprehensive surveys ever conducted for the profession. The survey was spearheaded by industry leaders Kelly Riddle of PI Institute of Education, Matt Spaier of PI Perspectives and Investigator’s Toolbox, and Isaac Peck, Publisher of Working PI magazine. The survey was launched in the fall of 2024 and officially closed on January 31, 2025. After the survey closed, Spaier invited Riddle and Peck to his podcast, PI Perspectives, to discuss the results. Visit WorkingPImag.com/SurveyPodcast to listen to the podcast.
The new survey offers a glimpse into private investigators’ use of artificial intelligence (so far), hourly rates, annual income, firm size, and so much more. We hope you enjoy the results and find them useful. (Response counts vary per question because some respondents declined to answer certain questions).
1. Are you licensed in more than one state?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
2. Do you operate in a state that requires continuing education?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
3. Are you in a state that requires licensing?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
4. What percent of work is desktop Investigations (research)?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
5. What percent of work are Field Investigations?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
6. Do you use ChatGPT or any other type of AI to Write reports or do research?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
7. Do you use an online case management system?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
8. How many cases do you typically work per month?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
9. Do you have a dedicated Sales Team?
(story continues)
10. How many support staff (non-licensed PIs) work in your company?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
11. Are you the owner of the PI company you work for?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
12. What is your yearly level of income as a PI?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
13. What level of education do you possess?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
14. What is your biggest challenge as a business owner?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
15. Do you specialize in one type of case?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
16. Do you bill by the hour or by the job?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
17. Do you charge the client an hourly rate of…?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
18. Do you listen to or watch Podcasts or training videos?
(story continues)
19. How many licensed PIs are there in your company?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
20. How often do you upgrade computers, cameras, etc?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
21. What type of articles are you interested in learning about to improve your business/skill set
Click Here for Enlarged Image
22. Do you currently carry E&O Insurance for your PI firm?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
23. What is the primary reason your firm carries E&O insurance?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
24. If you do not currently carry E&O insurance, why not?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
25. How long have you been a private investigator?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
26. Do you belong to a national or international PI association?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
27. Do you use international resources to fulfill client requests?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
28. If you do subcontract work for other PIs, do you offer a discounted rate?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
29. What region of the U.S. are you in?
Click Here for Enlarged Image
30. Do you belong to your state association?
View/Download Results: Here
About the Author
Kendra Budd is the Editor of Working PI magazine and the Marketing Coordinator for OREP Insurance. In her fourth year with OREP Insurance, Kendra also assists the Education Division at OREP as Education Coordinator. She graduated with a BA in Theatre and English from Western Washington University, and an MFA in Creative Writing from Full Sail University.
We’re always listening. Send your story submission/idea to the Editor: kendra@orep.org.
