Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MS Board of Business
Private Investigator Licensing in Mississippi
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for private investigator in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
MS Department of Agriculture • Bureau of Plant Industry
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$39,460 median (25% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#50 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Mississippi eligibility requirements for Private Investigator licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to MS Department of Agriculture~Bureau of Plant Industry and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Mississippi
With a median salary of $39,460, Private Investigators in Mississippi earn 25% below the national median of $52,370. Mississippi ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.5%Average Weekly Wage
$999Median annual salary
$39,460Hourly estimate
$18.9725% below national median
Difference: -$12,910
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPrivate Investigator Salary Ranking
#50 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $39,460 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $46,560 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $47,180 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $43,390 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $43,310 | Degree 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Louisiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Arkansas | 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
MS Department of Agriculture • Bureau of Plant Industry
705 Stone Blvd, P.O. Box 5207, Mississippi State, MS, 39762
Phone: 6623253390
Related Careers in Mississippi
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $79,040 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $33,210 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $64,170 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $103,940 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Private Investigator in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi?
Mississippi lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Private Investigators.
What education do you need to become a Private Investigator in Mississippi?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Private Investigator licensure in Mississippi.
What is the typical Private Investigator salary in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for Private Investigators in Mississippi is $39,460. Salaries range from $27,790 (10th percentile) to $91,830 (90th percentile).
How does the Private Investigator salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?
Private Investigators in Mississippi earn 25% below the national median of $52,370, with a state median of $39,460.
How many Private Investigators work in Mississippi?
Mississippi employs approximately 370 Private Investigators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Private Investigator license to Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
The licensing agency is MS Department of Agriculture / Bureau of Plant Industry. Review agency details at https://www.mdac.ms.gov/bureaus-departments/plant-industry/.
How often do you renew a Private Investigator license in Mississippi?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.