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Verified by ME Board of Business

Private Investigator Licensing in Maine

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for private investigator in Maine, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Private Investigator in Maine

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Maine Department of Public Safety • Maine State Police

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $49,360 median (6% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #27 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Maine eligibility requirements for Private Investigator licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Maine Department of Public Safety~Maine State Police and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Maine

With a median salary of $49,360, Private Investigators in Maine earn 6% below the national median of $52,370. Maine ranks #27 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,220

Median annual salary

$49,360

Hourly estimate

$23.73
6% below national median

Difference: -$3,010

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$39,840
  • P2525th percentile$41,250
  • P50Median$49,360
  • P7575th percentile$54,930
  • P9090th percentile$72,180

State vs National Median

State: $49,360
National: $52,370

Total employment: 200 | Annual openings: N/A

Private Investigator Salary Ranking

#27 of 50 statesfor Private Investigator median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Oregon$77,320
#2Maryland$74,360
#3Illinois$73,070
#4Minnesota$72,070
#5Connecticut$68,290

Nearby States Comparison

Private Investigator licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Maine$49,360No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
New Hampshire$51,990Varies by state boardNo exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Maine68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Hampshire68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Maine Department of Public Safety • Maine State Police

45 Commerce Drive, 42 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333-0042

Phone: 2076247200

Related Careers in Maine

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$79,600No educational requirementsVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$43,860No educational requirementsVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$77,680Specific course requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$94,880Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Private Investigator in Maine?

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 Maine?

Maine lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Private Investigators.

What education do you need to become a Private Investigator in Maine?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Private Investigator licensure in Maine.

What is the typical Private Investigator salary in Maine?

The median annual salary for Private Investigators in Maine is $49,360. Salaries range from $39,840 (10th percentile) to $72,180 (90th percentile).

How does the Private Investigator salary in Maine compare to the national average?

Private Investigators in Maine earn 6% below the national median of $52,370, with a state median of $49,360.

How many Private Investigators work in Maine?

Maine employs approximately 200 Private Investigators according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Private Investigator license to Maine 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 Maine?

The licensing agency is Maine Department of Public Safety / Maine State Police. Review agency details at https://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/licenses-permits.

How often do you renew a Private Investigator license in Maine?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.