Industry Outlook for Private Investigators in Canada (2025 and Beyond)

Time Business News

19-07-2025

Private investigation remains a stable and growing profession in Canada. According to the Canadian Occupational Projections System, employment for private investigators is expected to remain balanced with labour supply nationwide through 2024–2033. Meanwhile, the broader Security and Investigation Services sector is expanding steadily — hours worked are forecast to grow from approximately 287 million in 2023 to 320 million in 2025 and nearly 338 million in 2026, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 5.7%.
On the global scale, the private detective services market is also increasing. Valued at about US $9.7 billion in 2023, it is projected to reach US $16.5 billion by 2032 with a 7.6% CAGR. North America, led by both the United States and Canada, commands roughly 40% of this market share. Such growth is driven by heightened corporate demand for fraud detection and the rise of cyberforensics. Job Bank (Canada) rates Ontario's threeyear job prospects for private investigators as 'Moderate'.
rates Ontario's threeyear job prospects for private investigators as 'Moderate'. Glassdoor reports median salaries around CA $50,643 per annum (≈ CA $24/hour), with upper ranges approaching CA $60–71K in private investigation roles.
Ontario stands as one of only a few Canadian provinces overseeing provincial licensing for private investigators under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 . Requirements include being at least 18 years old, possessing a clear criminal record, completing a 50hour basic training course, and passing a provincial exam.
The province maintains a list of licenced training providers for security guards and private investigators Recent entrants like Smith Security and Training Centre Canada offer fully online, governmentapproved 50hour courses typically priced around CA $199–229 — and include exam prep and direct licencing exam registration
This streamlined, online delivery model removes barriers, making highquality training broadly accessible across Ontario and even neighbouring provinces. The Canadian Security and Investigation Services sector is projected to increase its annual hours worked by around 6% in both 2024 and 2025
is projected to increase its annual hours worked by around 6% in both 2024 and 2025 Digital investigations —including cyberforensics and surveillance using AI and data analyse—are shaping modern investigative services, significantly enhancing demand .
—including cyberforensics and surveillance using AI and data analyse—are shaping modern investigative services, significantly enhancing demand . The COVID19 era, regulatory concerns, and cybersecurity needs have all accelerated demand for skilled, licenced private investigators.
Here are some of the most common job types available to trained and licensed private investigators: Surveillance for Legal and Insurance Cases
One of the most in-demand services in 2025 continues to be discreet surveillance. PIs are hired by law firms and insurance companies to collect evidence related to personal injury claims, disability fraud, and family law disputes (such as custody or infidelity).
One of the most in-demand services in 2025 continues to be discreet surveillance. PIs are hired by law firms and insurance companies to collect evidence related to personal injury claims, disability fraud, and family law disputes (such as custody or infidelity). Skip Tracing and Locating Missing Persons
Whether it's tracking down a debtor, a long-lost relative, or someone evading a court order, skip tracing is a core service. Private investigators use a combination of databases, fieldwork, and digital tools to locate individuals who don't want to be found.
Whether it's tracking down a debtor, a long-lost relative, or someone evading a court order, skip tracing is a core service. Private investigators use a combination of databases, fieldwork, and digital tools to locate individuals who don't want to be found. Workplace Investigations
Employers are increasingly turning to licensed investigators to conduct internal investigations into workplace harassment, employee misconduct, or suspected theft. Hiring a third-party PI ensures an unbiased approach and legally sound documentation.
Employers are increasingly turning to licensed investigators to conduct internal investigations into workplace harassment, employee misconduct, or suspected theft. Hiring a third-party PI ensures an unbiased approach and legally sound documentation. Online and Social Media Investigations
With more of our lives lived online, PIs are now trained to collect digital evidence. From cyberbullying and online scams to uncovering hidden relationships or social media activity, digital forensics plays a key role in modern investigations.
With more of our lives lived online, PIs are now trained to collect digital evidence. From cyberbullying and online scams to uncovering hidden relationships or social media activity, digital forensics plays a key role in modern investigations. Background Checks for Employers and Landlords
Thorough background checks remain in high demand. Companies and property managers hire investigators to vet candidates' criminal records, financial histories, and personal references—especially when public safety or asset protection is at stake.
Here is why training is essential in today's competitive landscape: Training Teaches Applicable Skills
A Ministry-approved PI course covers critical subjects such as surveillance techniques, interviewing strategies, privacy laws, evidence handling, and note-taking. These are not just academic lessons—they're practical, on-the-job skills that investigators use every day in the field.
A Ministry-approved PI course covers critical subjects such as surveillance techniques, interviewing strategies, privacy laws, evidence handling, and note-taking. These are not just academic lessons—they're practical, on-the-job skills that investigators use every day in the field. Certification Is Required to Take the Licensing Exam in Ontario
The province mandates that all aspiring investigators must complete a 50-hour basic training program before they can sit for the Ontario Private Investigator Licence Exam. This is a legal requirement under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 .
The province mandates that all aspiring investigators must complete a before they can sit for the Ontario Private Investigator Licence Exam. This is a legal requirement under the . Graduates Are Viewed More Favourably by Employers and Agencies
Completing a certified training program signals to employers that you're serious, trained, and ready to handle assignments professionally. Many agencies in Ontario won't even consider applicants who haven't completed formal training and licencing requirements.
Below are the most common types of clients and employers hiring private investigators in 2025: Private Investigation Agencies
These are the most direct employers of newly trained PIs. Agencies handle a variety of contracts, from insurance surveillance to background checks, and often serve as an entry point for those new to the field.
These are the most direct employers of newly trained PIs. Agencies handle a variety of contracts, from insurance surveillance to background checks, and often serve as an entry point for those new to the field. Law Firms and Insurance Companies
Legal professionals frequently require investigative support in civil litigation, personal injury, and family law cases. Insurance companies also rely on PIs to verify claims, detect fraud, and gather admissible evidence.
Legal professionals frequently require investigative support in civil litigation, personal injury, and family law cases. Insurance companies also rely on PIs to verify claims, detect fraud, and gather admissible evidence. Large Corporations (Internal Risk Teams)
Major businesses, especially in finance, retail, and logistics, employ in-house investigators or contract external professionals to manage workplace investigations, fraud detection, and internal compliance audits.
Major businesses, especially in finance, retail, and logistics, employ in-house investigators or contract external professionals to manage workplace investigations, fraud detection, and internal compliance audits. Government Contractors
Some investigative roles are tied to public sector projects, particularly in security-cleared environments or regulatory compliance. These contracts often require experienced, licenced professionals with a clean background.
Some investigative roles are tied to public sector projects, particularly in security-cleared environments or regulatory compliance. These contracts often require experienced, licenced professionals with a clean background. Individuals (Domestic or Personal Concerns)
Private citizens hire investigators for personal reasons—ranging from locating missing persons to investigating suspected infidelity or harassment. This segment continues to be a steady source of work for solo investigators and smaller agencies.
Here are key steps to help you launch a successful PI career in Ontario: Complete a Ministry-Approved Private Investigator Training Program
Enrol in a 50-hour basic training course that meets Ontario's licensing standards. Look for programs that cover core topics such as surveillance, legal compliance, interviewing techniques, and ethical considerations.
Enrol in a 50-hour basic training course that meets Ontario's licensing standards. Look for programs that cover core topics such as surveillance, legal compliance, interviewing techniques, and ethical considerations. Pass the Ontario Licensing Exam
Once training is complete, you must pass the provincially administered PI exam. This test assesses your understanding of investigative procedures, legal limits, and professional conduct. Passing it is mandatory before you can apply for your licence through ServiceOntario .
Once training is complete, you must pass the provincially administered PI exam. This test assesses your understanding of investigative procedures, legal limits, and professional conduct. Passing it is mandatory before you can apply for your licence through . Start with Entry-Level Positions or Mentorships
Many investigators begin their careers by working under the supervision of licensed agencies. These entry-level roles help build practical skills and industry contacts. Some agencies also offer mentorship programs, which can fast-track your development.
Many investigators begin their careers by working under the supervision of licensed agencies. These entry-level roles help build practical skills and industry contacts. Some agencies also offer mentorship programs, which can fast-track your development. Build Experience and Specialize
As you gain experience, consider focusing on a niche. Specializations such as cyber investigations, insurance fraud, workplace misconduct, or family law can help you stand out and command higher rates. Continuous learning and certification in these areas are valuable career boosters.
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