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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Private Investigator in Mississippi
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: No educational requirements
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: Specific type of conviction prohibited
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
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 baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
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 6-24 months.
Median 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 | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $46,560 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $47,180 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Louisiana | $43,390 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $43,310 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
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 | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $64,170 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $103,940 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $65,150 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Private Investigator in Mississippi?
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 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. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. 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/.