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For those looking for a job that offers variety and a flexible schedule, becoming a private investigator in New Hampshire offers that and much more.
If you enjoy problem-solving and the sense of satisfaction that helping people provides, this may be a career for you to pursue.
The need for private investigators is projected to grow by 5% over the next 8 years, with over 3500 openings per year.
How to Become a Private Investigator in New Hampshire
In the state of New Hampshire, the State Police are in charge of licensing individuals.
The permits and silencing division is located at 33 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305.
The State Police can be reached at:
- Phone: 603-223-3873
- Email: permitsandlicensing@dos.nh.gov
- Website: https://www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov/our-services/justice-information-bureau/permits-and-licensing
Basic requirements to be licensed as a private investigator in New Hampshire:
- All applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
- United States residency is required.
- No felony convictions are acceptable for applicants.
- No misdemeanor convictions for theft, fraud, sale of drugs, or honesty.
- No convictions for domestic abuse or having a protection order taken out against you.
- Any misdemeanor conviction that casts doubt on the potential future good behavior of the applicant is unacceptable.
Experience Requirements
At least four years of experience is required, such as:
- A full-time police officer at a state, county, or federal level
- A full-time municipal law enforcement officer
- A full-time law enforcement officer at a university or college
- As the senior officer or director of corporate or company security
- As the head of a licensed security service
- Being a full-time insurance adjuster, claims investigator, or risk manager for an insurance or adjusting company
- Being a full-time firefighter
- Being employed full-time by a private investigation firm with certification from the International Association of Arson Investigators
Education Plus Experience
If you have a degree in criminal justice from an accredited college or university, it can be combined with at least two years of experience to meet basic requirements.
Either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree is acceptable.
A degree in fire service is also acceptable, combined with work experience.
Certifications That Count
These certifications can be used in New Hampshire in place of the above experience requirements.
A certificate from the American Society for Industrial Security in the field of security operations, plus at least two years of experience doing the job.
Certification by the American Society for Industrial Security in executive protection, and at least two years of experience providing such services
Other Requirements to Apply
A surety bond of $50,000 must be provided.
If you are an armed private investigator applicant, you must submit two sets of fingerprints.
Armed private investigators must have firearm qualifications.
Applicants must provide documentation of qualifications.
All applicants must apply in person.
Testing
No examination is required in New Hampshire.
Continuing Education
Only armed private detectives are required to meet minimum requirements for the use of firearms at least once per year.
This includes at least four hours of instruction in firearm safety and techniques.
Cost
New Hampshire has several different fees that must be paid to get a private investigator’s license.
The license, which renews every other year, is $150.00.
A criminal record check is $25.00.
Fingerprints, if required, $23.25.
A background check is $10.00.
Schools
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 Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers an AS and a BS degree in Criminal Justice.
You have the choice of a two-year or four-year degree.
These are both online programs.
The cost of the courses is $330 per credit hour.
An Associate’s degree requires 60 credit hours, and a Bachelor’s is 120 credit hours.
The Criminal Justice Associate Degree may include classes in :
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Research Methods for Criminal Justice
- Cultural Awareness in Criminal Justice
- The Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree may include classes in:
- Cultural Awareness in Criminal Justice
- Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
- Technology in Criminal Justice
The school year is made up of six terms of eight weeks.
The course start is flexible, and you can attend on your schedule.
The courses are available all day, every day.
You can attend class no matter where you are and what time it is.
Financial aid packages are available.
Contact Information
- Address: 2500 North River Road, Manchester, NH 03106
- Phone: 1.800.915.7648
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Penn Foster
Penn Foster offers an online Private Investigator certificate program.
The cost of the program is under $900.
The program has eight courses with 40 continuing education credits.
The course can be fast-tracked in three months, but the average completion time is five months.
An option for work experience is available, but not mandated to graduate.
The course provides a starting point for those who are considering a career in private investigation.
The basics of the legal system will be covered, as well as other useful information.
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA
- Phone: 1-800-275-4410
- Website: Visit School Website
3 The National Investigative Training Academy - NITA
Students who complete 40 course hours receive a certificate.
New Hampshire students have a choice of 35 courses.
Courses range from 2 hours to 12 hours.
Each course is priced individually, from $49 to $199.
Payment plans are available to spread out the tuition.
You can take the courses on your schedule online.
You need to have access to the internet and an email address.
The courses offered allow you to specialize in areas of interest to you.
Assistance with finding employment will be provided on demand.
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
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Southern New Hampshire University |
| #2 | Penn Foster |
| #3 | The National Investigative Training Academy - NITA |
Private Investigator Salary in New Hampshire
The salary for a private investigator in New Hampshire varies quite greatly depending on your education level and experience.
The field that you choose to work in also determines your salary.
Having specialized expertise will enhance your value, particularly in cybersecurity and insurance fraud.
The average salary in the state is slightly over $52,000, but can be as low as $33,000 or as high as $74,000.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$40.7K |
|
$52.3K |
|
$67.4K |
Average Salary in New Hampshire
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Manchester | $56,116 |
| Concord | $46,224 |
| Dover | $51,854 |
| Rochester | $51,194 |
| Salem | $51,410 |
| Londonderry | $51,917 |
| Keene | $51,875 |
| Portsmouth | $50,200 |
| Goffstown | $47,305 |
| Nashua | $53,096 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester, NH | 40 | $62,340 | $29.97 | $125,610 | $35,350 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
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- VA Virginia
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- WI Wisconsin
- WY Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are private investigators earning the highest salaries in New Hampshire?
The cities of Lancaster and Lebanon have the highest salaries for private investigators.
The average salary across all cities in New Hampshire is very similar.
What specialized skills for private investigators are most valuable in New Hampshire?
Having specialized cybersecurity training or insurance investigation training will help with finding a job in New Hampshire.
Fire investigation is also a skill that is needed.
Is there a need for private investigators in New Hampshire?
The New Hampshire Economic & Labor Market Information Bureau expects the need for private investigators to grow at 9%.
This is a higher rate than in many other fields.
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