Category: Professional Ghost Hunting

Can you earn a living as a ghost hunter?

Maybe. As they say, “don’t quit your day job.”

In general, few ghost hunters can support themselves without charging for some aspect of what they do.

I first wrote the following article in 2008.  I’ve updated it a few times since then, but it’s impossible to be 100% current regarding income in the paranormal field.

So, use this as a starting point, and carefully examine any income sources that appeal to you.

Since around 2002, the following have been the main income sources in this field.

Professional ghost investigations – not recommended

A few ghost groups and individuals charge a fee to investigate private homes and businesses. They may charge per-hour, or a flat fee for a certain number of hours plus a printed, illustrated report.

The number of them charging a fee… that’s dwindling daily. (As of 2017, I don’t know anyone who does this.)

Today, most ghost investigators  — including some of the most competent and experienced people in this field — work free of charge.

The sleazes in this field — people who are eager to make a quick dollar at the expense of vulnerable people — their true colors are becoming more & more obvious now.

I’m not saying that you have to work for free, or pay expenses out of your own pocket.

However, by the time most people actually admit they have a ghost problem, they’ve probably lost their jobs due to stress and lack of sleep, and they’re in desperate financial shape.

Personally, I can’t accept a cent from them.  It feels immoral.

So, I can’t recommend investigating for a fee.

Teach ghost-related classes – success varies

Some paranormal professionals teach classes related to ghost hunting. Assuming there’s interest in your community, here are a few options:

• You can teach privately.
• Your adult ed program or community group may ask you to teach a workshop or class series.
• A local college may hire you to teach informal or for-credit classes.

Teaching can be profitable, as well as rewarding on a personal level.

But, not everyone is comfortable speaking to groups. In addition, paranormal studies can attract quirky, independent-minded people.

As a teacher, flexibility and a sense of boundaries are essential.  If you can handle that, it’s a fine career choice.

You’ll meet fascinating, intelligent people. Everyone has a story to tell, and every day–and class–is more interesting than the previous one.

Work as a media consultant – it works well for some

Movies and TV shows often rely upon professionals for insights, locations, historical research, script corrections, and advice on realistic special effects. However, these jobs are few and far between.

I’ve been a consultant for TV shows, usually off-camera, and — as I’ve made clear — I don’t recommend it to others.

Remember, most of my friends who’ve been on TV shows — even if they’re the stars of those shows — kept their day jobs or were supported by a spouse or partner.  Despite rumors to the contrary, TV series don’t pay very well.

Learn as much as you can about this career field before accepting work.

Do space clearing – best in areas with a New Age community

Whether the house or business is plagued by ghosts, poltergeists, or some other negative energy, space clearing can be a fulfilling and interesting field. And, since many states’ laws require disclosure of ghosts when a house is sold, realtors can be a fine source of work.

If you can banish negative ghostly energy, the house likely to sell for a much better price… and faster.

As you get results, you’ll also get referrals to homes and offices that aren’t on the market, but need help with negative energy, and perhaps hauntings.

When I talk about this, many people raise an eyebrow and ask if it’s not just placebo effect.

Yes, maybe it is, most of the time.  Lapsing into geek mode, that concept fits with the “observer” factor in quantum studies.

All in all, if it makes people happy and it’s a benign practice, I don’t see anything wrong with that.

However, if this goes against your beliefs, don’t do it.  It’s that simple.

I’m certain that something in space clearing works, in some cases. It’s a field that covers far more than ghosts and hauntings.

You can use prayer (a “house blessing“) or — at the other extreme — a sage smudge. It’s vital to use whatever fits your beliefs and the beliefs of the homeowner or realtor. (The latter is very important. Do not offend those who need your help. At best, you’ll annoy them; at worst, your efforts may backfire and attract unwanted, negative energy.)

For non-religious space clearing methods, I recommend books such as:

• Creating Sacred Space With Feng Shui: Learn the Art of Space Clearing

• Space Clearing: How to Purify and Create Harmony in Your Home

The way I look at space clearing is like using air freshener:  It should make the room (or floor, or house) feel better. When you’ve finished, the site should seem lighter, happier, and cleaner.

Do not internalize this. It should not be a ritual, unless that’s your spirituality and everyone involved agrees with it.

If you offer this service, you’ll charge by the square foot or by the time spent commuting to the site and clearing it.  Allow extra time for return visits to sites with very heavy energy or residual hauntings.

Debunk ‘hauntings’ (false anomalies) – opportunities have dwindled, but it may provide occasional income

There are many opportunities in this field. As I’ve already mentioned, realtors are dismayed when they have to tell a buyer that a property is haunted.

If you can prove that the house’s problems aren’t caused by ghosts, you’re providing a valuable service to the real estate community.

As a consultant, I’ve confirmed that something paranormal is going on at some locations.

However, at least 50% of the time, the real problem is wiring (elevated EMF), carbon monoxide, plumbing, squirrels (or racoons), or infrasound. So, it’s a good idea to work with a handyman who’s familiar with problems in local houses.

Some paranormal consultants charge a flat fee, up-front.  That’s usually about $50, and it’s just for the diagnosis, whether the home is actually haunted or not.  (Do not promise to fix the problem, yourself.  If it’s a wiring issue or plumbing, that could get very expensive. Give that part of the job to the handyman who accompanied you during the inspection.)

Other consultants charge a percentage of the selling price of the home, when the sale is complete.  That can mean a far bigger paycheck, but only if the house sells.

Either way, get everything in writing.

 

Write articles – still viable, if you’re ambitious and a prolific writer

Magazines still offer the best paychecks, and competition isn’t as bad as you might think.  Get a copy of The Renegade Writer, and use your public library’s copy of Writers Markets.

Some articles will sell for $15, others for $150, and a few for $1,500.  If you’re good with words and “hooks” to sell your articles and interest readers, you can earn four figures per month, in your spare time.

Write books – unless you write for Llewellyn, go indie

I love being an author.

However, you’re not likely to get rich writing books for traditional publishers.  I earn about 25 cents for each book sold by my traditional publishers. That’s normal, even for best-selling authors.

Instead, become an indie author. You can write & publish your own books through Amazon, B&N, and other online booksellers.

You probably won’t earn a living from one book.  You may not earn much from five or six books.  However, if you’re a prolific author, you could support yourself with books.

Create a popular YouTube channel or Internet TV show – lots of competition

YouTube, Roku and other services can provide great platforms for your videos.

All you need is a video camera (even the one in your phone) and Internet access. YouTube makes it simple. Or, on services such as Roku, you can  create a private channel, build your audience, and you’re on your way.

If you’re an entertainer, this might be your opportunity. Remember that you’re competing with a lot of other ghost hunters that offer a wealth of free videos. Find a way to present something different that still appeals to people who loved the Ghost Hunters TV series, Paranormal State, or other TV shows.

And remember, Most Haunted (UK) returned in 2017. Ghost Adventures continues to attract viewers, too. So, there’s still an interest in ghost hunting, but it’s not what it was in 2004.

Even now, you can earn a living as a ghost hunter

Since 2008, it’s been increasingly difficult to earn a living as a paranormal researcher. In the U.S., opportunities have dwindled.

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible; it’s just challenging. Very challenging.

No two ghost hunters will make the same income choices.  Compromises may be necessary.

You’ll also need to be creative, and find niches well-suited to your interests and talents.

However, if you’re determined to earn a full-time living as a ghost hunter, you can do it.

Photos courtesy of GraphicStock.com

Background: I’ve known Jamie for many years and respect his enthusiasm for ghost hunting, as well as his integrity as a researcher with a solid background in science.

When I decided to add an interview section to this website, he was a logical choice for this, my first (2006)  interview.

Jamie’s popular Chicagoland Ghosts website is in transition. Originally, it was hosted at GeoCities, http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Shadowlands/2007/

How long have you been ghost hunting, and how do you describe what you do?

I’ve been involved with ghost hunting for about eight years now, and my specialty is the midwest, especially around Illinois. Mostly, I say that I’m a ghost hunter or paranormal researcher.

What’s your background for ghost hunting, and did you study to research this field, or did you fall into it naturally?

I have an AAS degree in E.E. (electrical/electronic engineering technology), but I just sort of fell into ghost hunting, or rather it found me.

What techniques and tools do you use the most? And, do you have tips for other researchers?

Mostly, I use cameras, and I measure EMF (electromagnetic fields). For photos, I mostly use digital cameras now. I have enough film photos but I did use 400 speed color film before I switched to digital. And, I get the best results with a flash.

Lately, I use digital despite the fact that it has no negative; if people aren’t going to believe it they aren’t going to believe it, regardless. Why should anyone waste countless rolls of film? Like most ghost hunters, I don’t have a lot of money to throw around, and digital works fine.

Wayne Dyer jokes that, in the old days if you asked a scientist if he believed in Deity, he’d say, “Of course not, I’m a scientist!” but today if you ask that same question, you’ll hear, “Of course, I’m a scientist!”

Similarly, many of us who begin as skeptics in this field, become believers. But, the question is… what are ghosts? What’s your opinion?

I have seen black things that walk at night. I have seen full apparitions, transparent and glowing. I’ve heard and felt many more things that science can’t explain yet.

I think they are probably spirits. Some seem to be lost, but others are able to travel at will between the planes of existence.

They are here for as many reasons as we are here: Some because they choose to be, others because they are lost or confused, and others are just visiting.

How do you select places to ghost hunt… what cues tell you that it’s a good place, or just an urban legend?

First, I check the history of a place. Then, sometimes it’s just a feeling, but many times my guesses are right. When I get to a good site, I usually get a feeling of heaviness, like the air is really thick. Cemeteries seem to be the best for my research right now. I’d really like a chance to investigate the catacombs under Paris.

Some locations get better the more you visit them, and others seem to deteriorate. It varies.

Have you ever felt a personal connection with a ghost?

Yes, when one called my name and nobody was around. I’ve posted a few of my favorite ghost stories at my Chicagoland Ghosts website.

Most of us remember at least one ghost hunt that was genuinely frightening. Have you ever been scared on a ghost hunt?

Yes, at a person’s home, in the basement. I was going to spend the night but I kept feeling like something was crawling all over me. I had to get out of there. It had me freaked out.

What do you like best about ghost hunting? Least?

The best is that it is a lot of fun. You get to see and experience things nobody else does.

Least favorite? Having to deal with rude skeptics and unbelievers. They can have a dampening effect. Sometimes, if you actually experience something, the skeptic automatically tries to rule out your experience without even considering the facts. People should use common courtesy, but some skeptics don’t.

How do you deal with skeptics?

I ignore them. They won’t last long, and they probably won’t come back.

Do you get better results at certain times of day or night? Is there more activity around certain times of year, such as Halloween?

It depends on the ghost. Generally, I can get results whether it is day or night.

Also, some show up at certain times of the year. Other hauntings seem to be random.

Describe your typical — or best — ghost hunts.

I like a small number of people. More than half a dozen is too many. I’m likely to stay anywhere from half an hour to an hour for an informal visit. Mostly I stay however long it takes to cover the area thourougly. I can keep researching for three or four hours on a more formal investigation. If I go back to a site–and I do revisit them, usually–I’ll usually stay just as long as I did the first time.

What would you tell someone who is interested in ghost hunting but doesn’t know where to start?

First, check the web sites and check my links. Read as much as you can, and dont expect anything to jump out at you. In fact, don’t expect to see anything at all. Stay away from “demonologists” or people that charge for investigations.

What else would you tell a beginner? What about websites, books, and other resources when you’re getting started in ghost hunting?

For reading, I like theShadowlands.net‘s Ghost Hunting 101, Troy Taylor’s The Ghost Hunter’s Guidebook, and whatever you can find on the web. The more sources the better. To find haunted places, check out the history of the area. See if there are any sources on the web for haunted locations. Check the historical society and newspaper archives, too.

Beginners can start with just a camera and a basic no-frills EMF meter, and maybe a tape recorder for EVP.

Can anyone/everyone be a successful ghost hunter?

No, most can but a lot of people lack the patience and open mindedness to actually succeed… It takes a certain individual. Some people get into ghost hunting for the wrong reasons. This includes anyone who is insincere, or thinks they can make a lot of money from it. Or, if you expect to see things jumping out at you, then you probably should just stay home and watch it on TV.

What precautions should people take before ghost hunting at a new location?

If you visit a site in the daytime, it could help you see more clearly what the area is like and eliminate a few obvious things. Don’t trespass; always get permission. Don’t smoke at a location. Pick up your trash. Use comon sense. Above all, don’t panic and run and hurt yourself, if you hear a noise.

Never go ghost hunting alone; let people know where you are.

You mentioned demonologists, but what about demons? Many of us have encountered things that aren’t ghosts, but we aren’t sure what they are. What’s your opinion?

I believe there are negative entities that feed on our fears and emotions but I do not believe in demons. There are certainly types of spirits that were never human; I call them elementals. They can be brought about by disturbing the land, or messing with forces that you shouldn’t mess with.

Negative entities are a hot subject in ghost hunting. How do you feel about people using Ouija boards while ghost hunting?

As with loaded guns, don’t mess with them unless you know what you are doing. Ouija boards are a tool and if you don’t respect a tool, you can get hurt. It’s not the tool’s fault, it’s your fault for not understanding what you are doing. Mostly, don’t use a Ouija board unless you intend to actually communicate with something, and don’t freak out and get all scared if it actually works.

Do you personally use ESP for ghost hunting? How do you feel about a psychic using his or her abilities on a ghost hunt?

I do use my intuition, but I don’t consider myself a psychic. They can be valuable but take it with a grain of salt. You don’t know how accurate a psychic is until you have some way to verify what they say.

Every community is different, but many of us get great support from the police when we’re ghost hunting. Is that true for you, too?

Yes, the police can be a great help if you cooperate with them and don’t disrespect the law. They might even be ghost hunters themselves.

Do you work with the press at Halloween?

No, I prefer to quietly do my own thing and not be bothered.

Do you accept clients? If so, do you charge for your time and expenses?

Occasionally I accept clients, but not lately. My work is always free but I will accept gas money. Generally, the site has to be nearby.

How can people get in touch with you, and stay current on ghost hunting in your area?

Visit my Yahoo!Group, Chicagoland Ghost Club.