Licensed private investigator (field cases)

Law firms, insurance companies, small businesses and individuals, for example in family, injury or workplace matters.

Hourly rate plus mileage and expenses, or a flat fee per case. Repeat work from a few attorneys or insurers often matters more than one-off clients.

• Patience and attention to detail
• Clear, factual report writing
• Discretion and good judgment
• Comfortable driving and working irregular hours

• Most states require a PI license to take paid cases, though rules vary a lot, so check your state before you advertise
• Laws on recording audio and video, trespassing, GPS trackers and pretexting differ by state, so check before each type of job
• Some states ask for years of experience or work under a licensed agency first, which can delay your start
• Business insurance and a clear written client agreement, since cases can lead to disputes or complaints
• Irregular hours and long periods waiting in a vehicle

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your equipment, insurance, licensing fees and how you advertise. Costs vary by state, so check what your state requires before you start taking paid cases.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the number and type of cases, your rates and your client mix. These are estimates, not guarantees. Plan for at least about 15 hours a week, often at irregular times.

Most states require a PI license for paid cases, though rules vary a lot, so check your state before advertising. Also check recording, trespassing, GPS tracker and pretexting laws, and any experience or agency requirements that could delay your start.