How to Become a Private Investigator in Wisconsin

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What does it take to become a successful private investigator or PI?

Some of the traits that correlate to those who shine in the profession include attention to detail, critical thinking, excellent interpersonal communication skills, and an interest in and experience with facets of sociology, psychology, or law.

The profession also rewards those who exhibit patience, perseverance, and perspective.

Coupled with solid investigative skills and a mastery of the latest technology in aid and support of uncovering facts, property, and missing persons.

How to Become a Private Investigator in Wisconsin

To become a PI in Wisconsin, candidates need to meet the following:

  • 18 years old or older.
  • US Citizen or permanent resident
  • No felony convictions.
  • No misdemeanor convictions within the past 5 years.
  • Sponsored/employed by a Wisconsin PI agency.

Step by Step

Want to be a PI?

Excellent.

Here is a step-by-step guide to lead candidates through the process to this richly rewarding career.

1. Take the Wisconsin Licensing Exam

The first step is to take and pass the Wisconsin Licensing Exam, which is administered by the Department of Safety & Professional Services.

2. Apply for a License

Candidates need to apply for a license.

The Wisconsin DRL processes the paperwork and documentation for the prospective license and then emails candidates instructions for the licensing exam.

3. Experience

A licensed private detective agency must employ private detectives or, if self-employed, get their agency license by completing the Application for Private Detective Agency and paying the fee.

4. Background Checks and Fingerprints

Candidates will undergo background checks and fingerprinting.

5. Bonding or Insurance

PIs will need liability insurance or a bond.

Education

While there’s no specific educational requirement to become a PI in Wisconsin, training, degrees, or certificates can help candidates gain entry into the profession, offering the theory, skills, training, and connections needed to succeed as a PI.

Moreover, providing credentials and experience may impress PI agency owners and potential clients.

Schools

Below are some schools that can help uncover the skills to succeed in the investigative business.

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1 University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Bachelor of Arts (BA) or the Bachelor of Science (BS), with concentrations in Corrections or Law Enforcement.

Uncover information that can help you learn about society and the criminal justice system and enhance your PI knowledge base!

Both programs can be completed online and on campus.

Contact Information

  • Address: University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 1 University Plaza Stop 1, Platteville, Wisconsin 53818-3099
  • Phone: 608-342-1491
  • Website: Visit School Website

2 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

BA in Criminal Justice. Developed for students motivated to study crime, this program unites coursework and experience.

Students learn the structure and operations of law enforcement and the courts, and the program is designed to foster analytical skills and critical thinking.

Contact Information

3 Edgewood College

Here’s a criminal justice major that prepares students for social justice, crime prevention, and human rights protection careers.

The emphasis is on ethical principles and sociological perspectives.

Paired with the criminal justice major, students can obtain the state credential of “Certified Social Worker” without continuing to graduate school after completing the program and passing the state social work exam.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1000 Edgewood College Dr, Madison, WI 53711
  • Phone: +1 800-444-4861
  • Website: Visit School Website

4 Concordia University Wisconsin

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Service—Management of Criminal Justice degree includes an online criminal justice program.

Candidates study topics such as criminal psychology, public policy, the criminal justice system, and the courts.

Contact Information

  • Address: Concordia Wisconsin Campus, 12800 N Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53097
  • Phone: 877-437-0727
  • Website: Visit School Website

5 Carroll University

Come and find a criminal justice program that offers criminal justice as both a degree and a major.

Studying criminal justice can lead to careers in community rehabilitation, advocacy, corrections, law enforcement, private investigation, the court system, loss prevention, probation and parole, and more!

Contact Information

6 Carthage College

Students here can study a criminal justice program with a major and a minor in criminal justice studies, including political science and sociology courses, constitutional criminal procedure, and criminal law.

They can also learn about social problems that may lead to crime.

Contact Information

7 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Bachelor of Arts or Science in Criminology, with a Minor in Criminology and a Certificate in Forensic Science.

Criminology studies crime, and the degrees prepare candidates for law enforcement and legal vocations by developing analytical thinking and conceptual reflection.

This degree can be an excellent way into investigations, corrections, and parole careers.

UW-Whitewater offers Wisconsin’s only criminology degree program, which is geared toward providing the foundational theories and practical skills necessary for careers in public safety and crime scene investigation.

Contact Information

8 Northeast WI Technical College

Candidates learn how to uncover people utilizing open sources of information, conduct investigations, apply constitutional law, conduct background checks, and more.

This is an excellent entry into careers such as process service, insurance claim investigator, private investigator, and corporate and private security!

Contact Information

  • Address: 2740 West Mason St, Green Bay, WI 54303
  • Phone: 920-498-5444 / 1-800-422-NWTC
  • Website: Visit School Website

Schools Summary Table

Rank School
#1University of Wisconsin-Platteville
#2University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
#3Edgewood College
#4Concordia University Wisconsin
#5Carroll University
#6Carthage College
#7University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
#8Northeast WI Technical College

Private Investigator Salary in Wisconsin

For a gumshoe in Wisconsin, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the average yearly salary for a PI in Wisconsin is $51,302.

And the remuneration ranges from $32,389 to $71,744.

Annual Salary Range:
Item Percent
$39.4K
$42.5K
$45.8K

Average Salary in Wisconsin

City Name Salary
Milwaukee $42,427
Madison $50,200
Green Bay $52,478
Kenosha $42,427
Racine $42,427
Appleton $45,180
Eau Claire $50,144
Waukesha $53,369
Oshkosh $50,228
Janesville $50,592

Regional Salary

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Madison, WI50$64,520$31.02$86,010$37,380
Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI100$52,050$25.02$75,910$32,950
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Private Detectives and Investigators, OCC Code 33-9021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a time limit on the exam for becoming a PI in Wisconsin?

That’s a good question, and the answer is yes.

The exam results are good for a year, and candidates need to get licensed within a year of the exam date.

Does Wisconsin require PIs to get a permit to carry a gun?

Indeed, Wisconsin does that, and a firearm permit must be secured from the Department to carry a firearm.

What kind of cases do private investigators help people in Wisconsin?

Just as in any other location, Wisconsin PIs often help with a broad range of cases.

The usual suspects include family issues like infidelity and child custody investigations, workplace issues, and legal issues, including personal injury cases, background checks, and asset searches.

What types of jobs in Wisconsin are similar or can lead to a career as a private investigator?

Professions that have an overlap include a range of occupations, including:

  • Appraisers and Assessors
  • Security
  • Law enforcement
  • Sociology/psychology
  • Detectives
  • Insurance Adjusters and Examiners
  • Transportation Security Screeners
  • Business
  • Social Justice
  • Criminal Justice

What is the job outlook for Wisconsin? I love living here, but I have also dreamed of being a PI since I was a kid. Do you have any ideas?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, it looks like you’re set to discover that the job outlook to fulfill your childhood dream in your favorite state is pretty good.

Employment of private detectives and investigators is expected to increase by 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is the average for all occupations.

Private investigators are often called to conduct surveillance and assist with locating missing persons.

Sarah Klein
About Sarah Klein Sarah Klein is a freelance editor and writer specializing in pharmaceutical litigation and products liability. Sarah holds a J.D. and focuses almost exclusively on writing legal blogs that spotlight consumer safety issues.

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Featured Online Program
Penn Foster

Program: Private Investigator Career Diploma

Program Details:
  1. Study at your own pace, anytime with 24/7 access
  2. Flexible, affordable tuition with personalized payment options
  3. Accredited both regionally and nationally
  4. Support from experienced instructors every step of the way
Request Info
Sponsored
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