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Private Investigator Licensing in New York

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for private investigator in New York, 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 New York

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
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NYS Department of State • Division of Licensing Services • One Commerce Plaza

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $59,840 median (14% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #11 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 New York

With a median salary of 59,840, Private Investigators in New York earn 14% above the national median of $52,370. New York ranks #11 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$59,840

Hourly estimate

$28.77
14% above national median

Difference: +$7,470

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$42,680
  • P2525th percentile$51,510
  • P50Median$59,840
  • P7575th percentile$85,640
  • P9090th percentile$113,220

State vs National Median

State: $59,840
National: $52,370

Total employment: 1,850 | Annual openings: N/A

Private Investigator Salary Ranking

#11 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
New York$59,840Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Vermont$66,070No educational requirementsNo exam required6-24 months
Massachusetts$57,840Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Connecticut$68,290Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
New Jersey$51,540No educational requirementsState exam required6-24 months
Pennsylvania$51,220No 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
New York72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Vermont54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts64MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Connecticut54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Jersey60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania54LowState-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

NYS Department of State • Division of Licensing Services • One Commerce Plaza

99 Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 22001, Albany, NY, 12201

Phone: 5184744429

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Related Careers in New York

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$98,580Varies by state board6-24 months
Certified Public Accountant$101,780Varies by state board6-24 months
Civil Engineer$102,440Degree required6-24 months
Financial Advisor$167,970No educational requirements6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 New York?

The median annual salary for Private Investigators in New York is 59,840. Salaries range from $42,680 (10th percentile) to $113,220 (90th percentile).

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

Private Investigators in New York earn 14% above the national median of $52,370, with a state median of 59,840.

How many Private Investigators work in New York?

New York employs approximately 1,850 Private Investigators according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Private Investigator license to New York 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 New York?

The licensing agency is NYS Department of State / Division of Licensing Services / One Commerce Plaza. Review agency details at https://www.dos.ny.gov/.