Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Business
Private Investigator Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for private investigator in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Private Investigator in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Public Safety • Arkansas State Police-Regulatory Services Division • Private Investigators-Security-Alarm Installation and Monitoring
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$43,310 median (17% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#47 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Private Investigator licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Public Safety~Arkansas State Police-Regulatory Services Division~Private Investigators-Security-Alarm Installation and Monitoring and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $43,310, Private Investigators in Arkansas earn 17% below the national median of $52,370. Arkansas ranks #47 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$43,310Hourly estimate
$20.8217% below national median
Difference: -$9,060
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPrivate Investigator Salary Ranking
#47 of 50 statesfor Private Investigator median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Oregon | $77,320 |
| #2 | Maryland | $74,360 |
| #3 | Illinois | $73,070 |
| #4 | Minnesota | $72,070 |
| #5 | Connecticut | $68,290 |
Nearby States Comparison
Private Investigator licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $43,310 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $43,780 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $46,560 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $39,460 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $43,390 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $48,070 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $40,470 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Mississippi | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Louisiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Texas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Public Safety • Arkansas State Police-Regulatory Services Division • Private Investigators-Security-Alarm Installation and Monitoring
#1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR, 72209
Phone: 5016188600
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $84,310 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $38,620 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $64,180 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $81,930 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Private Investigator in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Private Investigators in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Private Investigators.
What education do you need to become a Private Investigator in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Private Investigator licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Private Investigator salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Private Investigators in Arkansas is $43,310. Salaries range from $35,350 (10th percentile) to $109,010 (90th percentile).
How does the Private Investigator salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Private Investigators in Arkansas earn 17% below the national median of $52,370, with a state median of $43,310.
How many Private Investigators work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 360 Private Investigators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Private Investigator license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Private Investigators in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Public Safety / Arkansas State Police-Regulatory Services Division / Private Investigators-Security-Alarm Installation and Monitoring. Review agency details at https://www.asp.arkansas.gov/services-and-programs/detail/Private-Investigators-Security-Alarm-Installation-Monitoring.
How often do you renew a Private Investigator license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.