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- How to Become a Private Investigator in Washington: Step-by-Step
- Private Investigator Schools in Washington
- 1 University of Washington
- 2 Washington State University
- 3 Centralia College
- Schools Summary Table
- Private Investigator Salary in Washington
- Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- Frequently Asked Questions
Private investigators who work in the state of Washington are likely to find a good job, partly because of the job growth that is expected to continue for at least a few more years.
The state regulates who may become private investigators.
Washington requires people to have the experience, education, and other requirements that it sets as qualifications for obtaining an initial license and a license renewal as private investigators.
Following a step-by-step guide can help people who want to work as Washington private investigators to correctly submit the application for licensure.
How to Become a Private Investigator in Washington: Step-by-Step
Washington sets forth the detailed steps to becoming a private investigator in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).
Failing to follow any one step can lead to a delay or a denial of an application for a private investigator’s license.
Step 1: Know the Requirements to Become a Washington Private Investigator
The Washington RCW 18.165.030 describes the basic requirements to become a private investigator in the state of Washington.
The basic requirements are that applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and be either a citizen or resident alien of the U.S.
Applicants must submit proof of their identity, and proof that they are either currently employed by or that they have a job offer from a private investigator agency.
They may also be licensed as a private investigator agency.
Step 2: Gain Experience
Gain at least three years of experience.
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) explains that one year of experience means not less than 2,000 hours of actual compensated work that applicants perform before applying for a license to work as a private investigator in Washington.
Applicants who indicate that they have the required work experience must submit written certifications from previous employers.
They may submit certifications from professional people who have personal professional knowledge and can substantiate the applicant’s employment.
Step 3: Take the Exam
The state of Washington requires people who submit applications to become private investigators to take an exam.
The Washington RCW 18.165.050(a) indicates that applicants must pass an exam that measures the applicant’s knowledge and competence as a private investigator.
Skipping the exam likely sounds nice, and people who have the required work experience can avoid having to take the exam.
Step 4: Complete the Preassignment Training Requirement
Washington requires private investigator applicants to complete pre-assignment training.
The designated training consists of a minimum of four hours of training that covers several areas.
Some areas covered in the training include Legal Powers and Limitations, Probable Cause, Evidence, and Report Writing.
The training areas also include Documentation, Chain of Custody Documentation, Expert Witnesses, and Courtroom Testimony.
Step 5: Submit the Application
It is important that anyone who wants to work as a private investigator submits a completed application.
Do not leave any spaces or fail to answer any questions.
Submit the required documentation with the completed application.
Be sure to include proof of identity, proof of the required work experience, and the required set of fingerprints.
People who have been issued a license to work as a private security guard within the past 12 months preceding the date that the application is submitted do not have to undergo another background check for their private investigator license.
Step 6: Pay the License Fee
Private investigators who want to pay for their first license online can pay by credit card or debit card.
New private investigators who want to pay the license fee by mail need to make their check or money order payable to the Department of Licensing.
The fee for getting an unarmed private investigator’s license is $220.
Armed private investigators pay $110 in addition to the fee for unarmed private investigators.
Step 7: Get a Job
Washington’s private investigators undergo an extensive process to obtain their licenses.
Employers want to know that the private investigators they hire meet all the qualifications to work in Washington.
Provide proof of licensure, training, and education when applying for private investigator jobs.
Private Investigator Schools in Washington
Employers who hire private investigators are likely to hire applicants who have completed a private investigator program or a program in a closely related area.
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 Washington
The Professional and Continuing Education Department at the University of Washington offers a Certificate in Private Investigation program.
Students complete the online program in eight months.
Students take one course each of the three quarters.
The three courses are The Business of Private Investigation, Civil Investigation and the Law, and Criminal Investigation and the Law.
The tuition for the program is $4,455.
Contact Information
- Address: 1410 NE Campus Pkwy, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
- Phone: +1 206-543-2100
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Washington State University
The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Washington State University explains that it has criminal justice programs that suit the students of today.
The school offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology, a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Criminal Justice and Criminology.
Students complete courses at the undergraduate level that prepare them for advanced studies or to enter the job market.
Earning a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is sure to impress employers who hire private investigators.
Private investigators who want to expand their career opportunities are likely to want to complete the graduate programs at the school.
The undergraduate tuition is $614 per credit hour.
The tuition for graduate students is $705 per credit.
Contact Information
- Address: 255 E Main St, Pullman, WA 99163, United States
- Phone: +1 509-339-8105
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Centralia College
Centralia College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice and an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Students have the option of completing their program in the traditional classroom setting or online.
Students who currently work as police officers, deputy sheriffs, or state troopers receive an award of 50 credits towards their degree for their work experience.
The tuition is $182.97 per credit for Washington residents.
Contact Information
- Address: 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia, WA 98531, United States
- Phone: +1 360-736-9391
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Washington |
| #2 | Washington State University |
| #3 | Centralia College |
Private Investigator Salary in Washington
The average annual salary for private investigators in Washington State, as of May 1, 2025, is $56,502.
The state’s average salary is higher than the average salary for private investigators in the U.S., which is $52,102.
The area where private investigators work, their experience, and their education may affect their salary.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$38.7K |
|
$53.2K |
|
$73K |
Average Salary in Washington
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $53,286 |
| Spokane | $51,478 |
| Tacoma | $50,200 |
| Vancouver | $50,787 |
| Bellevue | $64,547 |
| Kent | $57,857 |
| Everett | $60,359 |
| Spokane Valley | $53,922 |
| Renton | $60,602 |
| Federal Way | $56,553 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 420 | $84,650 | $40.7 | $114,430 | $44,800 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 100 | $64,490 | $31.01 | $79,870 | $37,210 |
* 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 long does it take for me to get my license?
Submit your application online, and once approved, the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) will issue your license within 21 days.
If you submit your application by mail, it can take up to 60 days for the department to issue your license.
Can I work as a private investigator while waiting for my license?
The state of Washington has strict regulations that prohibit anyone from working as a private investigator without a valid license.
The regulations indicate that anyone who works without a valid private investigator license is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
I have a license to carry a gun. Can I carry it with me while working as a Washington private investigator?
Washington does not allow anyone to carry a gun when performing the duties of a private investigator unless they pay the additional fee and have a license to work as an armed private investigator in Washington.
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