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- How to Become a Private Investigator in Massachusetts: Step-by-Step
- Private Investigator Schools in Massachusetts
- 1 University of Massachusetts Lowell
- 2 Quinsigamond Community College
- 3 North Essex Community College
- 4 Berkshire Community College
- 5 Mass Bay Community College
- Schools Summary Table
- Private Investigator Salary in Massachusetts
- Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- Frequently Asked Questions
Private investigators who work in Massachusetts earn an average annual salary higher than the national average.
They work in various settings and may specialize in certain areas of private investigation.
People who want to become private investigators and work in Massachusetts must follow the laws to get a private investigator’s license.
Knowing the requirements in advance can help people get the experience and the education that helps them reach their goal of working as private investigators.
Earning a degree or completing a certificate program in a related field can help individuals start or advance their careers as private investigators.
How to Become a Private Investigator in Massachusetts: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Learn the Requirements
Becoming a private investigator requires more than applying for a job and providing a few references.
Massachusetts has strict requirements that people must meet before getting a private investigator’s license.
Creating a checklist may help people to make sure that they complete all the requirements.
Applicants must complete the application and answer truthfully.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Law Part 1, Title XX, Chapter 147, Section 24 indicates that the statements of fact on private investigator applications “shall be under oath of the applicant.”
Anyone who has a felony conviction anywhere in the U.S. cannot become a private investigator in Massachusetts.
Step 2: Get Experience
Massachusetts laws to become a private investigator require that applicants have at least three years of experience as a detective doing investigation work, or be a former member of an investigative service of the U.S.
They may instead have the three years of minimum experience as a former police officer with a rank or grade that is higher than a patrol officer of the Commonwealth or any subdivision.
Police officers who have experience from another state need at least 10 years of experience.
Get a job working in any of these fields to meet the experience requirements for Massachusetts private investigators.
Step 3: Get References
Applicants for a license to become private investigators in Massachusetts must include with their application three statements of reference from people who are reputable citizens of the Commonwealth and who are not related to applicants by blood or marriage.
People who provide the references must reside in the community where applicants reside or have a place of business.
The people providing the references certify that they have known the applicant for at least three years, that they have read the application, and consider the statements to be true.
They also indicate that the applicant is honest and of good moral character.
Step 4: Get an Education
Massachusetts does not have specific education requirements for private investigators.
Most people who choose this career are likely to know that having a degree or a certificate helps them to stand out among other applicants.
It may also help them advance their career and help them to earn a higher salary.
There are no schools in Massachusetts that offer private investigator degrees or certificate programs.
Most people choose to complete a criminal justice program or a law enforcement program.
Make sure that the school is an accredited institution before enrolling there.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Once applicants meet the requirements, they should submit their application and documents to get their license to become a private investigator.
When the application is approved and a license is issued, it is good for one year.
Private Investigator Schools in Massachusetts
Many schools in Massachusetts have programs that are ideal options for people who want to become private investigators.
Some programs require that students complete courses in the traditional on-campus setting, while other programs are offered in an online format.
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 Massachusetts Lowell
The University of Massachusetts Lowell offers a 100 percent online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.
The comprehensive program gives students an understanding of the court system, law enforcement, and corrections.
Students learn to apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills to real-world situations.
Some of the required courses in the 120-credit program include:
- Introduction to Policing
- Systemic Issues in Criminal Justice
- Criminal Law
- Crime Mapping
Students complete several elective courses.
Some options include Security Management, Technology and the Criminal Justice System, Intimate Partner Violence, and Police Innovations.
The tuition is $385 per credit hour.
Contact Information
- Address: 220 Pawtucket St, Lowell, MA 01854, United States
- Phone: +1 978-934-4000
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Quinsigamond Community College
Students who enroll in the Associate of Science in Criminal Justice program at Quinsigamond Community College learn about court procedures and how legal systems settle both civil and criminal conflicts.
They also learn about policing, evidence, and ethics in criminal justice.
Some courses in the 60 to 61-credit program include:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Criminal Law
- IT Security Foundations
- Evidence and Court Procedure
The tuition at the school is $223 per credit.
Contact Information
- Address: 670 W Boylston St, Worcester, MA 01606, United States
- Phone: +1 508-853-2300
- Website: Visit School Website
3 North Essex Community College
Earn an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice at North Essex Community College to gain the relevant knowledge and skills for today’s workforce.
A few of the courses in the 62-credit program include:
- Modern Policing
- Criminal Law
- Critical Incident Response
- Incarceration and Alternatives
Students also complete a criminal justice internship or a senior seminar/project course.
Contact Information
- Address: 100 Elliott St, Haverhill, MA 01830, United States
- Phone: +1 978-556-3700
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Berkshire Community College
The Law Enforcement Certificate program at Berkshire Community College was developed in cooperation with the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association.
The program prepares students for entry-level careers in law enforcement.
Students learn interpersonal skills, reasoning, and critical thinking skills in addition to law enforcement knowledge and skills.
Some courses in the 27-credit program include:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Criminal Investigation
- Police and Community Relations
- Introduction to Criminology
The school also offers a 60-credit Criminal Justice Associate in Science program.
The tuition at the school is $238 per credit for Massachusetts residents.
Contact Information
- Address: 1350 West St, Pittsfield, MA 01201, USA
- Phone: +1 413-499-4660
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Mass Bay Community College
The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice program at Mass Bay Community College prepares students to work in various criminal justice areas.
Students who become private investigators have the knowledge and skills to have a successful career.
Some of the courses in the 60 to 62 credit program include:
- Introduction to Law Enforcement
- Criminal Law and Procedures
- Cybercrime
- Criminal Investigation
The tuition is $244 per credit.
Students who are Massachusetts residents and who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree may qualify for Free Community College.
The programs MassEducate and MassReconnect fund free college for many students.
Contact Information
- Address: 50 Oakland St, Wellesley, MA 02481, United States
- Phone: +1 781-239-3000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Massachusetts Lowell |
| #2 | Quinsigamond Community College |
| #3 | North Essex Community College |
| #4 | Berkshire Community College |
| #5 | Mass Bay Community College |
Private Investigator Salary in Massachusetts
The average salary for private investigators in the U.S., as of May 1, 2025, is $52,102.
Private investigators who work in Massachusetts earn a higher average salary.
Salary.com indicates that the average salary for private investigators in Massachusetts is $56,702.
Some private investigators work in cities where the average salary is more than the state and national average.
Private investigators who work in Boston and those who work in Concord earn an average salary of $58,102.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$40.4K |
|
$52.8K |
|
$69K |
Average Salary in Massachusetts
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $54,557 |
| Worcester | $51,689 |
| Springfield | $52,509 |
| Cambridge | $65,519 |
| Lowell | $50,200 |
| Brockton | $55,279 |
| Quincy | $58,962 |
| Lynn | $55,182 |
| New Bedford | $50,200 |
| Fall River | $50,677 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 500 | $66,090 | $31.77 | $109,750 | $41,010 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 50 | $57,430 | $27.61 | $107,560 | $36,170 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 50 | $52,100 | $25.05 | $63,780 | $36,320 |
* 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
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- 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 have to renew my license?
Private investigators in Massachusetts file for their license renewal each year.
Where do I file my license application to become a private investigator?
Applications must be filed with the colonel of the state police under Massachusetts law.
How much does a private investigator license cost in Massachusetts?
The fee for a private investigator license and its renewal is determined each year by the commissioner of administration.
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