How much do private investigators make a year UK?
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An hourly rate for a rookie UK Private Investigator is usually around £12 per hour. This would equal a salary of approximately £23,000 per year; however, Private Eyes get paid travel time, mileage, and report writing time. This supplementary payment can increase the £23k salary to more around £28k.
How much do Investigators earn UK?

Experienced staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland earn between £43,965 and £46,277 as a sergeant, £52,698 and £57,162 as an inspector, £58,332 and £60,732 as a chief inspector, £70,173 to £82,881 as a superintendent and £86,970 to £91,749 as a chief superintendent.
How do I become a legal investigator UK?
How to Get a Private Investigator License in the UK (not required)
- You must be 18yo or older.
- You must be legally allowed to work in The UK.
- Complete the program: the IQ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators.
- You cannot have a criminal history (Fit and Proper person test)
- You will have to pay a £220 licensing fee.
What is a legal investigator UK?
Private Investigators can legally: Access all public records (including some criminal records and court documents) Perform background checks and historical checks. Investigate social media and internet enquiries.

What type of investigator makes the most money?
High Paying Investigator Jobs
- Crime Analyst.
- Surveillance Analyst.
- Special Agent.
- Criminal Profiler.
- Crime Laboratory Analyst.
- Fraud Investigator. Salary range: $33,500-$63,500 per year.
- Crime Scene Investigator. Salary range: $39,000-$62,500 per year.
- Special Investigator. Salary range: $40,500-$61,500 per year.
Can I be a private investigator UK?
Surprisingly, there are no qualifications for becoming a Private Investigator in the UK. You can obtain a Private Investigator’s licence, providing you don’t have a criminal record, but it is not compulsory to be licensed and you can operate as a PI without one.
Are there private investigators in the UK?
There are roughly 10,000 private investigators operating in the UK yet only 2,000 have voluntarily signed up to be part of an industry body such as WAPI, ABI or IPI.
What can private investigators do UK?
How do I get a private investigator job in the UK?
In the UK, a private investigator doesn’t need to have any experience to get investigator jobs. However, a little bit of experience can increase your odds of getting a detective job. In fact, it can help you to get more clients since you’ll be able to show them proof that you know what you’re doing.
How did the private investigator industry start?
Through the private detective company that Vidocq set up in France the private investigator industry was born. Most of the early private investigators acted as police in cases where the client thought that police officers were not interested or prepared to do.
What skills do you need to be a private investigator?
If you wish to choose a career working in the security industry and you are looking for private investigator jobs you will need certain traits and they include a sound analytical mind, good observation skills and a keen interest in problem-solving.
Can a private investigator be armed?
Depending on local laws many private investigators can be armed. Some private investigators are former police officers while others are former spies, have worked for the military or are former bodyguards or security guards.