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- How to Become a Private Investigator in Iowa: Step-by-Step
- Private Investigator Schools in Iowa
- 1 Indian Hills Community College
- 2 Western Iowa Tech Community College
- 3 Iowa Central
- 4 Iowa State University
- 5 Kirkwood Community College
- Schools Summary Table
- Private Investigator Salary in Iowa
- Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- Frequently Asked Questions
Private investigators who work in Iowa have a variety of duties and responsibilities.
The job allows private investigators to work in several types of settings.
The important work that they perform may give private investigators a sense of accomplishment.
They may also look forward to increased duties or career advancement.
The positive job outlook over the next few years is likely to help people feel enthusiastic about pursuing this career.
Learning how to become a private investigator in the state is the first step toward getting a license.
People who want to work as private investigators in Iowa are required to follow the administrative rules and the statutory requirements that are set by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
How to Become a Private Investigator in Iowa: Step-by-Step
Following a step-by-step guide can help those individuals who want to become private investigators to follow the administrative laws and the statutes that are set forth by the state of Iowa.
Learning the steps can help people to properly submit their applications and to meet the requirements.
Step 1: Know the Administrative Rules and Statutes
People who want to become private investigators who work in Iowa need to know how to find the laws that govern who may become a private investigator and how to become one.
The legal authority for this is found in the Code of Iowa, Chapter 80A; Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 2.
The administrative rules of the Iowa Department of Public Safety regulate the operation of security and private investigator businesses.
It is helpful if applicants refer to the codes if they want to review them, and to make sure that everything is in order before submitting their application, or to follow up after submitting it.
Step 2: Learn the Requirements to Get a License
The primary requirements to get a license to become a private investigator to work in Iowa include:
- The applicant must be at least 18 years of age
- The person is not a peace officer
- The applicant has never had a conviction for a felony or an aggravated misdemeanor offense
- The person has no history of repeated acts of violence
- The applicant does not have an addiction to alcohol or any controlled substance
- The applicant has not been convicted of fraud or illegally carrying or possessing a dangerous weapon
Step 3: Comply with License Requirements
Getting a license to become an Iowa private investigator requires more than answering a couple of questions.
Submit the required license application and the required fee.
The fee is currently $100.
Private investigator applicants need to submit their fingerprints and pay the $30 fee for the fingerprint background check.
Applicants who are denied a license will receive a refund, except for the fee to process the fingerprints.
Step 4: Gain Experience
Iowa does not require private investigators to have experience.
Although it is not required to obtain the license, having experience can help people have an edge over other applicants when they apply for a job.
It can also help when trying to get a salary increase or a career advancement.
Step 5: Get an Education
The state of Iowa does not require private investigator license applicants to have a degree.
People who complete a program show their education and skills when applying for their license and when applying for a job.
Step 6: Pay the Identification Card Fee
Private investigator applicants who are approved will be issued a temporary identification card.
It is good for 14 days.
Apply for a permanent ID card and submit the $10 fee.
Private Investigator Schools in Iowa
Schools in Iowa do not have specific private investigator programs.
Students enroll in programs that help them learn about the legal system and the things that they need to know to have a successful career working as a private investigator.
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 Indian Hills Community College
Indian Hills Community College offers a 78-credit Associate of Applied Science program.
Students learn about the procedures and technology that are used in law enforcement.
They learn about investigations, procedures, and ethics.
Some courses in the program include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Criminal Investigation, and Applied Criminalistics.
The tuition is $210 per credit.
Contact Information
- Address: 525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501, USA
- Phone: +1 800-726-2585
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Western Iowa Tech Community College
The Criminal Justice Associate of Arts program at Western Iowa Tech Community College is a 66-credit program.
Students gain entry-level skills to work in the criminal justice system.
They learn why people commit crimes, the societal factors that may contribute to crime, and how to deter crime.
A few of the courses in the program include Criminology, Trauma and Resilience, Introduction to Forensic Psychology, and Co-occurring and Addictive Disorders.
The tuition at the school is $184 per credit hour.
Contact Information
- Address: 4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106, United States
- Phone: +1 712-274-6400
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Iowa Central
Iowa Central offers an Associate of Applied Science program in Criminal Justice.
People who want to become Iowa private investigators gain many of the skills and knowledge that are needed in their careers.
Students may start the 60-credit program in either the fall or the spring semester.
The program prepares students for entry-level employment or to continue to a four-year school.
Some courses in the program include Constitutional Law, Criminal Investigation, Introduction to Forensic Investigation, and Perspectives of Homeland Security.
The tuition is $210 per credit.
Contact Information
- Address: One Triton Cir, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, USA
- Phone: +1 800-362-2793
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Iowa State University
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program at Iowa State University provides students with the skills and knowledge that they need to have successful careers.
Students learn about theories of crime, victimization, white-collar crime, and how to use critical thinking skills.
Some of the courses in the four-year program include Criminology, White Collar Crime, Criminal Offenders, and Criminal Justice Policies.
Tuition at the school is $387 per credit.
Contact Information
- Address: Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Phone: +1 515-294-4111
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Kirkwood Community College
Kirkwood Community College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program.
Students may start the program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.
Students learn about the roles of law enforcement, the courts, and corrections.
They learn about criminal investigation and procedures.
Students also learn how to evaluate and analyze criminal behavior.
A few courses in the program include Constitutional Criminal Procedure, Criminal Investigation, Ethics in Criminal Justice, and Forensic Science.
The tuition is $217 per credit.
Contact Information
- Address: 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, United States
- Phone: +1 319-398-5411
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Indian Hills Community College |
| #2 | Western Iowa Tech Community College |
| #3 | Iowa Central |
| #4 | Iowa State University |
| #5 | Kirkwood Community College |
Private Investigator Salary in Iowa
The average salary for private investigators in Iowa, as of May 1, 2025, is $49,902.
The salary for private investigators can go up to $60,000 or higher.
Things that can affect salary are education, experience, and location.
Private investigators who work in Chester, Iowa, earn an average salary of $51,802.
They earn an average of $49,502 in Davenport.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$38.5K |
|
$51.8K |
|
$69.8K |
Average Salary in Iowa
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | $51,403 |
| Cedar Rapids | $54,773 |
| Davenport | $32,637 |
| Sioux City | $48,788 |
| Iowa City | $52,388 |
| Ankeny | $50,932 |
| West Des Moines | $52,963 |
| Waterloo | $50,902 |
| Ames | $50,344 |
| Council Bluffs | $49,873 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 50 | $61,440 | $29.54 | $100,730 | $37,240 |
* 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 often do I need to renew my Iowa private investigator license?
Private investigators need to renew their licenses every two years.
Do I need to complete any continuing education courses to keep my license?
The state requires that all private investigators complete at least 12 hours of continuing education courses before renewing their license.
Is there a charge to complete a license application to become a private investigator in Iowa?
There is a $10 charge to obtain an application packet in person.
The fee is $15 to obtain the application packet by mail.
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