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- How to Become a Private Investigator in Louisiana
- Private Investigator Schools in Louisiana
- 1 University of Louisiana Monroe
- 2 Louisiana State University Shreveport
- 3 Louisiana State University, Alexandria
- 4 McNeese State University
- 5 Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- 6 University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- 7 NITA
- Schools Summary Table
- Private Investigator Salary in Louisiana
- Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to do anything to keep my PI license current in New Orleans?
- What kind of cases can a PI in New Orleans or Baton Rouge look forward to investigating?
- What's the job outlook like for the Bayou State?
- Are there any stories that talk about being a PI and are set somewhere in Louisiana?
- I'm writing a song about a PI in the 9th Ward. What are some other names I could use?
Private investigators in Louisiana have the opportunity to help society in various ways, including finding evidence at crime scenes, locating missing persons, providing surveillance, helping in domestic disputes, supporting businesses, offering cybersecurity, and more.
For those who want to support their communities, a PI can aid and support individuals, families, companies, law enforcement, and communities.
How? Through investigative services, we assist in discovering missing persons, preventing fraud, uncovering evidence in domestic cases, conducting background checks, or providing other benefits of investigative practices that reveal the necessary evidence.
How to Become a Private Investigator in Louisiana
Begin in the spirit of investigation and check to ensure you meet the qualifications in Louisiana to become a private investigator.
- 18 years of age or over.
- A citizen of the US or authorized to work in the US legally.
- Must have no felonies.
- No convictions on record for crimes of moral turpitude.
- Not actively addicted to alcohol or drugs.
- Complete Basic Training & Take the Louisiana PI Exam
- Private detective certification classes, 40 hours, must be taken by an approved agency. Topics:
- Louisiana state law.
- Safety procedures.
- Use of force, both lethal and non-lethal.
- Investigative techniques and report writing.
- There is a $50 fee. Apprentice private investigators can postpone basic training and the exam for up to one year.
- Choose the Appropriate PI License Category and Apply
- Applicants need to submit their applications along with:
- Two fingerprint cards
- Criminal identification information
Private Investigator Schools in Louisiana
Taking coursework in a related field gives potential PIs the tools, techniques, and training to succeed in their chosen profession.
Topics of study can range from criminal justice to law, business, psychology, and sociology.
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 University of Louisiana Monroe
Candidates can attain a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice or a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice through a program that focuses on law enforcement, corrections, and the judicial system and works with the local police, courts, and correctional personnel.
Contact Information
- Address: 700 University Avenue, Monroe, LA 71209
- Phone: 318-342-1000
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Louisiana State University Shreveport
Candidates learn critical thinking, an understanding of basic science, and interpersonal communication while earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
This degree prepares candidates for a profession in law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, surveillance, security, justice administration, and more!
Contact Information
- Address: One University Place, Shreveport, LA 71115
- Phone: 800-229-5957/318-797-5000
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Louisiana State University, Alexandria
A B.S. in Criminal Justice with tracks in Criminal Justice and Criminal Psychology can lead to a career in the courts, law enforcement, or corrections.
Undergraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice
Earn a credential that can further a candidate’s career path.
This option is earned after 18 credit hours of study covering a range of relevant topics.
Contact Information
- Address: 8100 Hwy 71 South, Alexandria, LA 71302
- Phone: 888-473-6417/318-445-3672
- Website: Visit School Website
4 McNeese State University
Discover a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in a program that teaches topics including crime and jurisdiction, forensic science, corrections, ethics/administration/management, serial killers, and criminology.
Contact Information
- Address: McNeese State University, 4205 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70605
- Phone: 800-622-3352
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Candidates work toward a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice while studying sociology, political science, and psychology in a well-rounded program and network with representatives from criminal justice agencies and occupations.
Contact Information
- Address: 175 Sam Sibley Dr, Natchitoches, LA 71497
- Phone: 318-357-6011/800-327-1903
- Website: Visit School Website
6 University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Candidates can earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice while discovering police and correctional processes, law, criminal courts, and criminal psychology.
Students learn about topics ranging from community crime prevention to restorative justice while developing skills such as empirical research methods, understanding and creating policy management, and data analysis.
Contact Information
- Address: 104 E. University Circle, Lafayette, LA 70503
- Phone: 337-482-1000
- Website: Visit School Website
7 NITA
Those interested in joining the private investigation profession in Louisiana can apply to the Louisiana State Board of Private Investigator Examiners (LSBPIE) for the 40-hour Online Basic Private Investigator Training Course.
The course is offered by the LSBPIE and is geared toward answering questions concerning Louisiana private investigator law, constitutional principles, criminal laws, gun laws, and other topics that aid in private investigations.
Contact Information
- Address: 250 International Pkwy Suite 134, Lake Mary, FL 32746, United States
- Phone: 1-800-730-6482
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Private Investigator Salary in Louisiana
A sleuth working in Louisiana in 2025 will pull down the average annual salary of $49,60.
Pay generally ranges from $40,102 to $59,902, with most gumshoes ranging from $31,453 to $69,280, which will help when making groceries.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$34K |
|
$48.3K |
|
$68.6K |
Average Salary in Louisiana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $51,396 |
| Baton Rouge | $47,457 |
| Shreveport | $56,386 |
| Metairie | $39,733 |
| Lafayette | $45,793 |
| Lake Charles | $53,774 |
| Kenner | $46,776 |
| Bossier City | $47,769 |
| Monroe | $47,181 |
| Alexandria | $52,458 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA | 160 | $50,260 | $24.16 | $72,800 | $35,090 |
| Lafayette, LA | 80 | $44,040 | $21.17 | $54,500 | $34,790 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 30 | $39,450 | $18.97 | $47,990 | $33,280 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 400 | $49,190 | $23.65 | $67,590 | $34,950 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 30 | $40,880 | $19.65 | $52,000 | $34,280 |
* 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
Do I need to do anything to keep my PI license current in New Orleans?
In Louisiana, renew your license with the LSBPIE every year.
Continuing private detective training requires proof of completion of a minimum of eight hours of continuing education every two years by the renewal date.
What kind of cases can a PI in New Orleans or Baton Rouge look forward to investigating?
As a private investigator working in New Orleans, the cases are a rich gumbo of types and investigations!
Some of the types of cases might include:
- Accident / Reconstruction
- Arson / Fire
- Asset Search
- Background Checks
- Bounty Hunter
- Bug Detection
- Child Support / Custody
- Civil
- Computer Forensics / Cyber Crime
- Corporate
- Crime Scene
- Criminal
- Domestic
- Financial
- Forensic
- Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Insurance Fraud
- Judgment Recovery
- Missing Persons
- Protection
- Surveillance
- Trial Preparation
- Wrongful Death
What's the job outlook like for the Bayou State?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for PIs and investigators is expected to grow by 5 percent from now until 2033, which is about the average for all occupations.
Are there any stories that talk about being a PI and are set somewhere in Louisiana?
There are several creative series in literature featuring private investigators (PIs) set in Louisiana.
Whether it’s the new glamour and glitz of New Orleans or the atmospheric charms of the bayou and small towns, something about the Bayou State inspires mysteries, murder, and mayhem, as well as the problems and secrets left behind and the gumshoes who attempt to solve them.
Some noteworthy stories include:
- Lew Griffin Mystery series: The Alpha and Omega of hard-boiled PIs in the Quarter.
- James Lee Burke’s Dave Robicheaux series features a PI with roots in NOLA and New Iberia, Louisiana.
- Karen Rose series: A group of elite private investigators in New Orleans seeks justice.
- Talba Wallis’s series of mysteries focuses on a New Orleans cop and is set in Louisiana.
I'm writing a song about a PI in the 9th Ward. What are some other names I could use?
With its rich history of literature, music, and poetry, there are many possible synonyms to call your character, including detective, investigator, analyst, agent, or inquirer.
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