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Chief Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Washington

Investigator 3

Olympia, WA · On-site

$88K - $118K/yr

The Investigator 3 position works under the direction of the IIU Chief Investigator and the Superintendent and works collaboratively with stakeholders and contributes to the agency's mission, to ...

New

State of Washington

Investigator 3

Olympia, WA · On-site

$88K - $118K/yr

The Investigator 3 position works under the direction of the IIU Chief Investigator and the Superintendent and works collaboratively with stakeholders and contributes to the agency's mission, to ...

New

Travis County

ME Investigator Chief

Austin, TX · On-site

$98K - $120K/yr

Reports directly to the Chief Medical Examiner on matters relating to aspects of ongoing investigations. Performs all duties of Medical Examiner Investigator II, as required. Provides immediate ...

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All JobsChief Investigator Jobs

Chief Investigator information

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$53K

$110.3K

$160.5K

How much do chief investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief investigator in the United States is $110,332.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $139,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Chief Investigator vs Detective?

AspectChief InvestigatorDetective
Required CredentialsTypically requires law enforcement experience, detective certification, and leadership skillsRequires law enforcement experience and investigative training, often with detective certification
Work EnvironmentLeads investigation teams, manages case strategies, and oversees multiple investigationsConducts investigations, gathers evidence, and interviews witnesses
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in law enforcement agencies, private investigation firms, and government agenciesCommonly employed in police departments, federal agencies, and private security firms

While both roles involve investigations, the Chief Investigator typically holds a leadership position overseeing investigations, whereas a Detective is directly involved in conducting investigations on the ground. The Chief Investigator often has more managerial responsibilities and a broader scope of oversight.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

Chief Investigators in specialized fields such as private investigation, corporate security, or high-level law enforcement can earn around $3,000 a day, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and working on high-stakes cases. These roles often require advanced skills, clearance, and a strong professional reputation, and compensation varies based on the complexity and scope of investigations.

How does a Chief Investigator typically balance administrative responsibilities with hands-on investigative work?

As a Chief Investigator, you will often need to juggle direct oversight of investigations alongside administrative duties such as case management, reporting, and team supervision. While you may occasionally participate in fieldwork or critical interviews, much of your role centers on guiding investigative strategy, allocating resources, and ensuring compliance with legal and organizational standards. Effective delegation, clear communication, and strong organizational skills are essential to maintain this balance. You'll regularly collaborate with other departments, legal counsel, and external agencies to ensure thorough and efficient case resolution.

What is the highest paid investigator?

The highest paid investigators are often senior federal agents, such as FBI Special Agents or DEA Investigators, with salaries reaching over $150,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, specialized skills, and security clearances, with some top investigators earning significantly more through overtime and bonuses.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Chief Investigators in high-level government or corporate investigations can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. Other professions that may reach this level include top executives, specialized medical specialists, and successful entrepreneurs, but these are less common and often involve additional compensation such as bonuses or profit sharing.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

Chief Investigators in high-stakes fields such as private investigation, corporate security, or government agencies can earn close to or over $1 million annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. Typically, such compensation involves senior positions, bonuses, or profit-sharing arrangements, often in industries like finance, law enforcement, or private security firms.

What are Chief Investigators?

Chief Investigators are senior professionals responsible for leading, overseeing, and managing research projects or investigations within an organization or research institution. They ensure that studies are conducted according to regulatory standards and ethical guidelines, coordinate project teams, and are often accountable for the project's overall progress and outcomes. Chief Investigators also manage budgets, communicate findings, and may serve as the primary point of contact for sponsors, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Investigator, you need expertise in research design, data analysis, and regulatory compliance, often supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research management software, grant submission systems, and adherence to protocols like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring research integrity, team coordination, and successful project outcomes.
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Chief Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Investigator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,332 per year, or $53 per hour.

Assistant Chief Investigator

New York County District Attorney

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Division/Unit: Investigation Bureau      

Civil Service Title: Assistant Chief Rackets Investigator

Position Title: Assistant Chief Investigator

Salary Range: $165,000 - $185,000   

Job Description:

The New York County District Attorney's Office seeks an Assistant Chief Investigator for the Investigation Bureau. The Assistant Chief Investigator supports all investigative personnel and units, oversees security protocols, and ensures investigative operations support the Office's prosecutorial mission. The Assistant Chief aids the Chief Investigator in advising executive leadership on law enforcement strategy, resource deployment, and interagency coordination while upholding professionalism, integrity, and accountability. This role also helps with threat assessment and mitigation, ensuring credible threats are investigated and addressed with coordinated protective and intelligence strategies. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assist executive leadership and support all investigative activities, including search warrants, supervising surveillance, managing evidence, interviewing witnesses, executing arrests, and ensuring compliance with legal standards and prosecutorial goals.
  • Help coordinate specialized investigative units, drive innovation, resource allocation, and interdepartmental collaboration to enhance investigative effectiveness and case outcomes.
  • Aid in threat assessment, ensuring all credible threats to executives, prosecutors, and witnesses are promptly identified, investigated, and mitigated in coordination with law enforcement agencies.
  • Bolster the collection, analysis, and dissemination of protective intelligence from open-source and law enforcement channels to support proactive threat mitigation. Ensure preparedness for rapid deployment in response to active threats or critical incidents.
  • Enhance Bureau personnel, including recruitment, training, evaluating performance, and overseeing professional development. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
  • Advise the Chief Investigator as the main decision-maker for complex undercover operations. Provide strategic advice and direction to support the safety and success of these operations.
  • Facilitate, monitor, and evaluate complex investigations to ensure they meet office priorities and investigative standards.
  • Aid special projects and strategic initiatives as directed by Chief Investigator and executive leadership, contributing to the Office's long-term operational planning and policy development.
  • Assist in enhancing and developing interagency relationships with law enforcement partners to bolster training, investigative leads, tactics and procedures.
  • Research and evaluate new and changing surveillance equipment and technologies.
  • Maintain flexibility to manage operational demands beyond standard hours, ensuring continuous Bureau readiness and responsiveness.
  • Work on special projects and tasks assigned by the Chief Investigator.

In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, candidates must possess the following:

  1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and four years of full-time experience in the performance of criminal investigations, 18 months of which must have been in an administrative, managerial, executive, or supervisory capacity; 
  2. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" above. Experience may be substituted for education on the basis of six months of experience for one year of college.
  • Firearms qualification required.
  • Must possess a valid certificate of completion from a New York State Basic Course for Police Officers academy or must be eligible to attend and successfully complete a Police Officer refresher course.
  • Must have a valid NYS driver's license.
  • Must pass a medical exam, drug test, psychological screening, and an intensive background check.
  • As per NY Public Officers Law 2, 3-B, U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred Requirements/Skills:

  • Ten or more years of experience as a police officer, as defined in CPL 1.20, within the State of New York.
  • Supervisory experience in one or more of the following areas: organized crime, financial crime, violent crime, special victims, intimate partner violence, hate crimes, child abuse, or gangs.
  • Five years or more of experience in an administrative, managerial, or supervisory capacity.
  • Ability to evaluate threat credibility and capability by conferring with relevant law enforcement agencies.
  • Experience overseeing complex, multi-agency criminal investigations.

How to Apply:

  • Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume.

Hours/Shift:

  • Typically, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, but early hours, late hours, and weekends may be necessary. 

Additional Information:

  • Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least one (1) year in their current unit/bureau/department and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum and additional qualifications of the position.
  • Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

  1. High school graduation or possession of a high school equivalency diploma; or 
  2. Four years of full-time paid experience in the performance of criminal investigations, one year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or 
  3. A satisfactory equivalent.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness:

  • As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement:

  • New York State residency required. New York City residency is not required for this position. 

The New York County District Attorney's Office is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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