Working PIby Kendra Budd, Editor
Over the past few years, the private investigation profession has been abuzz with conversations surrounding the use of technology, fees for services, continuing education, licensing requirements and more. With hot-button issues surrounding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the challenges of being a business owner, PIs’ voices matter now more than ever.
The 2026 Nationwide Survey for Private Investigators collects feedback from investigators across the country, spearheaded by industry leaders Kelly E. Riddle of PI Institute of Education, Matt Spaier of “PI Perspectives” podcast, and Isaac Peck of OREP Insurance. The survey concluded on January 31, 2026.
The survey results reveal varying levels of technology adoption among private investigators. In fact, according to the data, many don’t even use online case management systems in their businesses. The survey also revealed notable findings regarding how much private investigators charged for services and the challenges that most significantly impacted their business model.
The survey data is provided free to private investigators and all industry stakeholders to help them benchmark their businesses. With more than 360 responses recorded, view the survey results below. The rest of the survey results are online here.
1. Are you licensed in more than one state?
2. Do you operate in a state that requires continuing education?
3. Are you in a state that requires licensing?
4. What percent of work is desktop investigations (research)?
5. What percent of work is field investigations?
6. Do you use an online case management system?
7. Are you the owner of the PI company you work for?
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8. How many cases do you typically work per month?
9. Do you have a dedicated sales team?
10. How many licensed PIs are there in your company?
11. Do you belong to your state association?
12. What is your yearly level of income from PI employment?
13. What is your biggest challenge as a business owner?
14. If you do subcontract work for other PIs, do you offer a discounted rate?
See how your PI peers answered questions on hourly rates, marketing, years of experience, association membership, E&O and cyber insurance, and MUCH more.
To view results from survey questions 15-28, please click here.
About the Author
Kendra Budd is the Editor of Working PI magazine and the Marketing Coordinator for OREP. 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.
