Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Business
Private Investigator Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for private investigator in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Private Investigator in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
(No board is specified to oversee the license)
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$46,560 median (11% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#37 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Private Investigator licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to (No board is specified to oversee the license) and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $46,560, Private Investigators in Tennessee earn 11% below the national median of $52,370. Tennessee ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$46,560Hourly estimate
$22.3811% below national median
Difference: -$5,810
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPrivate Investigator Salary Ranking
#37 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $46,560 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $48,130 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $48,740 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $55,190 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $44,590 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $47,180 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $39,460 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $43,310 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $43,780 | No educational requirements | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
(No board is specified to oversee the license)
00000
Phone: N/A
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $85,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,010 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $75,500 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $97,730 | Degree required | 4-3196 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Private Investigator in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Private Investigators.
What education do you need to become a Private Investigator in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Private Investigator licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Private Investigator salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Private Investigators in Tennessee is $46,560. Salaries range from $37,150 (10th percentile) to $105,140 (90th percentile).
How does the Private Investigator salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Private Investigators in Tennessee earn 11% below the national median of $52,370, with a state median of $46,560.
How many Private Investigators work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 690 Private Investigators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Private Investigator license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is (No board is specified to oversee the license). The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Private Investigator license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.