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Private Investigator Licensing in Minnesota

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Private Investigator in Minnesota

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Private Detective and Protective Agent Services

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $72,070 median (38% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Minnesota

With a median salary of 72,070, Private Investigators in Minnesota earn 38% above the national median of $52,370. Minnesota ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,407

Median annual salary

$72,070

Hourly estimate

$34.65
38% above national median

Difference: +$19,700

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$42,220
  • P2525th percentile$48,460
  • P50Median$72,070
  • P7575th percentile$86,180
  • P9090th percentile$101,950

State vs National Median

State: $72,070
National: $52,370

Total employment: 940 | Annual openings: N/A

Private Investigator Salary Ranking

#4 of 50 statesfor Private Investigator median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Oregon77,320
#2Maryland74,360
#3Illinois73,070
#4Minnesota72,070
#5Connecticut68,290

Nearby States Comparison

Private Investigator licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Minnesota$72,070Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Wisconsin$43,210No educational requirementsState exam required6-24 months
Iowa$45,070Specific course requiredNo exam required6-24 months
South Dakota$52,370Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
North Dakota$45,710No educational requirementsState exam required6-24 months

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
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Iowa58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Private Detective and Protective Agent Services

1430 Maryland Avenue East, St. Paul, MN, 55106

Phone: 6517932666

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Minnesota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$95,380Varies by state board6-24 months
Certified Public Accountant$81,100Varies by state board6-24 months
Civil Engineer$101,440Varies by state board6-24 months
Financial Advisor$94,420Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Private Investigator salary in Minnesota?

The median annual salary for Private Investigators in Minnesota is 72,070. Salaries range from $42,220 (10th percentile) to $101,950 (90th percentile).

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

Private Investigators in Minnesota earn 38% above the national median of $52,370, with a state median of 72,070.

How many Private Investigators work in Minnesota?

Minnesota employs approximately 940 Private Investigators according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Private Investigator license to Minnesota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Private Investigators in Minnesota?

The licensing agency is Private Detective and Protective Agent Services. Review agency details at https://dps.mn.gov/entity/pdb/Pages/default.aspx.