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- How to Become a Private Investigator in Oregon
- Schools
- 1 Portland State University
- 2 Western Oregon University
- 3 Southern Oregon University
- 4 Umpqua Community College
- 5 Klamath Community College
- 6 Oregon State University
- Schools Summary Table
- Private Investigator Salary in Oregon
- Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Once you've acquired your PI license, is anything else required?
- Where can private investigators in larger cities, say Portland or Eugene, find work as PIs?
- I'm interested in finding work as a PI in Oregon. I have a background in business and accounting. Is there a way to get into the profession by specializing in accounting investigations?
- Are there any movies or shows about PIs set in Oregon?
- What can I expect from a typical day as a private investigator in Oregon?
The truth is the foundation of justice, and a private investigator’s job is to uncover the evidence that helps determine justice, whether in workplace theft, domestic disputes, or a missing person’s case.
As a private investigator working in Oregon, the career path can be rich and rewarding, with opportunities to work in areas such as trial preparation, accidents, domestic and divorce cases, insurance fraud, judgment recovery, and wrongful death.
How to Become a Private Investigator in Oregon
For those investigating a career as a private investigator, the first thing candidates will want to ensure is that they meet the following criteria:
- At least 18 years old.
- U.S. citizen.
- Candidates need 1,500 hours of investigative work experience or a combination of 500 hours of job-specific education and work experience.
- Pass the Oregon test of investigator competency.
A degree, such as a bachelor’s in criminal justice, is the recommended career path for a PI in Oregon.
Note: The State of Oregon will subtract 500 hours from the required experience with an approved academic transcript.
Complete the necessary education and training.
Before applying, candidates must perform 1,500 hours of fieldwork and investigative training.
To repeat: Candidates may be able to reduce the training hours via an accepted degree, such as criminal justice or law enforcement, and the remaining hours under apprentice status.
Complete and submit your state application.
Applicants should submit fees and forms to the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.
For new private investigators, the application process lasts six to eight months.
The forms and fees required to earn a private investigator’s license in Oregon include:
- Complete the initial PI-1 application
- Provide a $5,000 surety bond, letter of credit from the bank, or errors & omissions insurance.
- Submit your fingerprints and receive a fingerprint ID card
- Submit three letters of professional recommendation.
- Complete the PI-27 form (PI code of ethics form)
- $75 for an application fee
- $550 for a licensing fee
Pass the licensing exam
After completing the state application, candidates can sit for the Oregon PI efficiency exam.
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 Portland State University
The Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice (CCJ) offers a Bachelor’s degree, BA/BS, and a postbaccalaureate certificate.
For those who have found their path to becoming private investigators through the academic route, the department offers on-campus instruction in Criminology and criminal justice at the Master’s degree level.
Contact Information
- Address: 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201
- Phone: 503-725-3000
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Western Oregon University
With a Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science, students are ready to enter professions and take charge of various criminal justice and social service-related jobs, including careers in prevention, investigation, social justice, criminal justice, law enforcement, security, and surveillance.
Those who have an aptitude and inclination for the academic side of investigation may want to look into continuing with online Master’s programs, including:
- Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Justice Studies
- Advanced Juvenile Justice Certificate
- Social Justice Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 345 Monmouth Ave. N., Monmouth, OR 97361
- Phone: 503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Southern Oregon University
Earn a BA/BS in Criminal Justice, with programs that blend psychology and criminal justice.
The CCJ core curriculum provides a foundation relevant to policing, law, corrections, and more!
Contact Information
- Address: 1250 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520
- Phone: 541-552-6508
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Umpqua Community College
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Criminal Justice.
The Associate of Science degree (Criminal Justice) was created with the support of Southern Oregon University (SOU) and Western Oregon University (WOU).
The degree is integrated into the Criminal Justice programs at both SOU and WOU.
The Criminal Justice program prepares candidates for entry into professions such as law enforcement, parole and probation, and corrections.
Offerings include:
- Criminal Justice, Associate of Science Articulated with SOU and WOU
- Police Reserve Academy: Earn a certificate in 9 months.
Contact Information
- Address: 1140 Umpqua College Rd., P.O. Box 967, Roseburg, OR 97470
- Phone: 541-440-4600
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Klamath Community College
Candidates gain valuable understanding and foundational theory with an AAS in Criminal Justice.
Students prepare for careers that require a two-year degree, including law enforcement, corrections, and related fields.
Note: May provide prior learning credit and extended learning prospects for those in associated professions.
KCC offers:
- Associate of Applied Science/Criminal Justice AAS
- One-Year Certificate
- Criminal Justice Certificate
- Addiction Studies Certificate
- Criminal Justice Certificate – ERO
- Under-One-Year Certificate
- Addiction Studies Career Pathway Certificate
- Criminal Justice Career Pathway Certificate – ERO
Contact Information
- Address: 7390 South 6th Street | Klamath Falls, OR 97603
- Phone: 541-882-3521
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Oregon State University
The Crime and Justice Option within Sociology guides students in applying social science concepts at the intersection of justice, crime, and public policy.
It benefits candidates aspiring to law, criminal justice, criminology, social services, or public policy careers.
Contact Information
- Address: B102 Kerr Administration Building/Corvallis, OR 97331-2130
- Phone: 541-737-4331
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Portland State University |
| #2 | Western Oregon University |
| #3 | Southern Oregon University |
| #4 | Umpqua Community College |
| #5 | Klamath Community College |
| #6 | Oregon State University |
Private Investigator Salary in Oregon
As of 2025, a PI in Oregon earns an average pay of $52,902.
While most sleuths take home greens ranging from $42,802 to $64,002, most pros earn between $33,606 and $74,108.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$37.4K |
|
$55.7K |
|
$82.9K |
Average Salary in Oregon
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $71,809 |
| Eugene | $60,347 |
| Salem | $52,458 |
| Gresham | $53,942 |
| Hillsboro | $58,281 |
| Bend | $51,026 |
| Beaverton | $56,887 |
| Medford | $48,498 |
| Corvallis | $53,508 |
| Springfield | $50,200 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 230 | $79,500 | $38.22 | $113,210 | $45,350 |
| Salem, OR | 170 | $77,290 | $37.16 | $93,620 | $50,060 |
* 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
Once you've acquired your PI license, is anything else required?
Oregon PIs need to complete 32 hours of continuing education every two-year period, which helps investigators keep up with discovering new laws and legislation updates.
Where can private investigators in larger cities, say Portland or Eugene, find work as PIs?
There are several positions where an intrepid sleuth can hunt up work.
These include:
- Law firms
- Private investigation agencies
- Insurance companies
- Corporations
- Financial institutions
- Governments
- Private Businesses/Accounting
- Aiding law enforcement
- And more!
I'm interested in finding work as a PI in Oregon. I have a background in business and accounting. Is there a way to get into the profession by specializing in accounting investigations?
Absolutely!
The field is not only individualized but also unique, as is each interaction between investigator and client.
Many PIs have a business, accounting, or security background, and their skills, including attention to detail, patience, interpersonal communication, and proactive and engaged listening, are efficient in the profession.
Are there any movies or shows about PIs set in Oregon?
Yes, Oregon makes an appearance as a strong backdrop with its special charm in several narratives, including the series Stumptown, based on the graphic novel and set primarily in Portland, the great gray pearl of a city.
The protagonist, an erstwhile marine who is now a PI, takes on cases that move through the city’s secretive and seedy underside.
Then, there’s Zero Effect.
No, that’s not an attitude, that’s the film’s name, and it has a unique Bridge City protagonist and energy.
What can I expect from a typical day as a private investigator in Oregon?
Many PIs appreciate that the work is always different in each case.
That said, many private investigators have a mixed caseload and work in various environments due to the differing types of assignments and clients.
This leads to a workday between interviewing, surveillance, research, office work, continuing education, and field training.
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