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- How to Become a Private Investigator in Ohio: Step-by-Step
- Private Investigator Schools in Ohio
- 1 Edison State Community College
- 2 Bowling Green State University
- 3 Cuyahoga Community College
- 4 Wright State University
- Schools Summary Table
- Private Investigator Salary in Ohio
- Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- Frequently Asked Questions
Private investigators in Ohio work in various settings that allow them to pursue their career goals.
The field is experiencing job growth and is expected to continue growing.
Learning how to become a private investigator in Ohio can help people plan their future.
It can also help them when they apply for their license.
The fact that becoming a private investigator in the state does not require an advanced degree is likely to appeal to people who see their future in the field of private investigation.
How to Become a Private Investigator in Ohio: Step-by-Step
People who want to work as private investigators in Ohio must follow these steps.
Failing to follow them can lead to a delay or a denial of private investigator licensure.
Step 1: Learn the State Requirements
Each state creates its regulations and statutes that govern who is allowed to work as a private investigator.
Make sure that you know the educational and experience requirements.
Some other things that apply to people who want to get a license as a private investigator in Ohio include submitting various documents, references, and a criminal records check.
Ohio allows people who want to become private investigators to have their education considered as part of the experience requirement.
The Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4501:7-1-06 explains that the education may include a program that is considered to be “specialized education in criminal justice or law enforcement.”
Earn an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field to reduce the amount of experience required to become a private investigator.
Step 3: Gain Experience
Ohio has three license classifications for qualifying agents.
All three of them require that applicants have at least two years of experience immediately preceding the date of applying for the license.
Applicants who apply for a Class A license, a Class B license, or a Class C license must have at least 4,000 hours of experience or an acceptable combination of experience and education.
Section 4749.03 (b) of the Ohio Administrative Code indicates that the work experience for a private investigator license must be in investigative or security services work for a law enforcement agency or for another agency that engages in investigatory activities.
It may also include work performed for a private investigator or security guard provider, or one who is engaged in the practice of law.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
Ohio requires that applicants submit several documents along with their application.
They need to submit all the documents when they apply, or at such time as requested by the Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
The first document that applicants must provide is a completed application.
It needs to include the applicant’s full name, birth date, citizenship, current address, and residence for the past ten years.
The application must also include current employment information, employment for the past seven years, and experience qualifications.
Private investigator applicants must also submit a passport-style photo.
Submit five references from reputable citizens that the applicant has known for at least five years.
Submit a complete set of fingerprints in the manner required by the state.
Step 5: Submit the License Application
Once people who want to work as private investigators in Ohio gather their documents, it is time to submit the license application.
Each license application must include an exam fee of $25.
The exam fee must be submitted as a certified check or money order, payable to the Ohio Treasurer of State.
Applicants who want to pay online can do so.
Step 6: Take the Exam to Obtain a Private Investigator Licensure
Once applicants submit their completed application and required documents, and they pass the criminal background check, they will receive an exam time and date.
The state refunds the exam fee to applicants who do not qualify to take the exam.
Step 7: Find a Job
Finding an entry-level job is likely easy for private investigators.
Security guards or others sometimes want to change careers and work as private investigators, which may make the process even easier for them.
The requirements that Ohio has for people to become private investigators mean that they already have some experience.
Previous experience and education go a long way towards achieving career goals.
Private Investigator Schools in Ohio
Ohio does not have schools that offer private investigator degrees.
The state accepts completion of criminal justice or law enforcement programs as part of the experience requirement.
Several schools offer programs that the state accepts from private investigator applicants.
Program: Private Investigator Career Diploma
Program Details:- Study at your own pace, anytime with 24/7 access
- Flexible, affordable tuition with personalized payment options
- Accredited both regionally and nationally
- Support from experienced instructors every step of the way
1 Edison State Community College
Edison State Community College offers a Criminal Justice Associate of Applied Science program.
The program helps students to understand the complex nature of the criminal justice system.
They develop the knowledge and skills that are required to work in criminal justice.
Students complete 60 to 62 credits.
Some program courses include Criminal Law, Criminal Investigation, and Introduction to Ethics.
They may also complete a capstone project or an internship.
Contact Information
- Address: 1973 Edison Dr, Piqua, OH 45356, USA
- Phone: +1 937-778-8600
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Bowling Green State University
Students who have an associate’s degree in criminal justice or a related field can complete their bachelor’s degree at Bowling Green State University.
The online format of the program likely appeals to people who work or have other responsibilities.
Some program courses include Investigations, The Criminal Courts, and Interviewing and Observation.
Undergraduate tuition is $410.20 per credit hour.
Save time and money by completing the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice to Master of Science in Criminal Justice program.
Earning a Master’s degree is a great way for private investigators to advance their careers.
Contact Information
- Address: 1001 E Wooster St, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA
- Phone: +1 419-372-2531
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Cuyahoga Community College
Start a career as a private investigator by completing the criminal justice program offered at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C).
Choose the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program with a concentration in Basic Police Academy, a concentration in Corrections, or a concentration in Security Administration.
There are also advanced training certificates.
The tuition is $129.54 for Cuyahoga County residents.
Contact Information
- Address: 4250 Richmond Rd, Highland Hills, OH 44122, United States
- Phone: +1 216-987-6000
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Wright State University
Wright State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Crime and Justice Studies.
The school wants students to become informed, well-rounded professionals who are leaders and innovators in their professions.
Some courses include Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation, Politics of Intelligence Gathering, and Elite Crime.
Tuition is $516 per credit hour.
Contact Information
- Address: 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, United States
- Phone: +1 937-775-1000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Edison State Community College |
| #2 | Bowling Green State University |
| #3 | Cuyahoga Community College |
| #4 | Wright State University |
Private Investigator Salary in Ohio
The average salary for private investigators in the U.S., as of May 1, 2025, is $52,102.
The average salary for private investigators in Ohio is $50,802.
Private investigators who work in Ohio earn an average salary that is higher than that of some other states.
Private investigators who work in Arkansas earn an average salary of $47,102.
The average salary for private investigators in Missouri is $49,502.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$39K |
|
$52K |
|
$69.3K |
Average Salary in Ohio
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbus | $55,479 |
| Cleveland | $53,961 |
| Cincinnati | $50,200 |
| Toledo | $34,752 |
| Akron | $50,200 |
| Dayton | $42,221 |
| Parma | $49,370 |
| Canton | $48,850 |
| Lorain | $49,775 |
| Hamilton | $48,935 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH | 60 | $52,950 | $25.46 | $77,110 | $31,800 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 280 | $58,700 | $28.22 | $88,280 | $35,710 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | 340 | $55,170 | $26.53 | $65,660 | $29,870 |
| Columbus, OH | 200 | $58,060 | $27.92 | $101,480 | $34,920 |
| Dayton, OH | 70 | $52,440 | $25.21 | $69,990 | $36,410 |
| Toledo, OH | 40 | $46,810 | $22.5 | $64,710 | $31,520 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- AL Alabama
- AK Alaska
- AZ Arizona
- AR Arkansas
- CA California
- CO Colorado
- CT Connecticut
- DE Delaware
- FL Florida
- GA Georgia
- HI Hawaii
- ID Idaho
- IL Illinois
- IN Indiana
- IA Iowa
- KS Kansas
- KY Kentucky
- LA Louisiana
- ME Maine
- MD Maryland
- MA Massachusetts
- MI Michigan
- MN Minnesota
- MS Mississippi
- MO Missouri
- MT Montana
- NE Nebraska
- NV Nevada
- NH New Hampshire
- NJ New Jersey
- NM New Mexico
- NY New York
- NC North Carolina
- ND North Dakota
- OH Ohio
- OK Oklahoma
- OR Oregon
- PA Pennsylvania
- RI Rhode Island
- SC South Carolina
- SD South Dakota
- TN Tennessee
- TX Texas
- UT Utah
- VT Vermont
- VA Virginia
- WA Washington
- WV West Virginia
- WI Wisconsin
- WY Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a private investigator in Ohio?
The time it takes to become a private investigator varies, based on things like gaining education and experience, waiting for an exam date, and exam results.
How can I advance my career?
Open a Public Safety Training Campus account.
Ohio private investigators can gain access to free online training.
Can I become an Ohio private investigator if I have a criminal record?
Ohio Homeland Security indicates that a felony may disqualify a person from obtaining a license.
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