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Cold Case Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Private Investigator

NY · Remote

$46K - $54K/yr

Utilize internal resources to submit evidence footage and complete case reports in an efficient ... cold environments, foot pursuits, frequent video camera use, typing and viewing a laptop monitor ...

This is a great place to build a real investigative career: you'll get hands-on exposure to live ... the case cold. * Prepare accurate, well-organized reports and maintain detailed records that ...

Compute thermal predictions for flight (hot case, cold case) and TVAC tests * Correlate models with test results * Identify test success criteria * Compute thermal power consumption * Investigation ...

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Compute thermal predictions for flight (hot case, cold case) and TVAC tests * Correlate models with test results * Identify test success criteria * Compute thermal power consumption * Investigation ...

Dental Case Coordinator

Juneau, AK · On-site

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

... investigations; reporting defective equipment and unsafe conditions. Physical Demands * While ... Exposure to controlled temperature environments, both hot and cold, is to be expected. * The normal ...

Semiconductor Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

What if you could use your engineering skills to help stop threat actors or solve a cold case? As a ... Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility ...

Social Services Case Aide

Troy, OH · On-site

$17.82/hr

This position involves regular exposure to environmental factors (e.g., cold, excessive heat, noise ... investigation, or reasonable accommodation processes. Powered by JazzHR wHlAxR7N7p

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Cold Case Investigator information

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How much do cold case investigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cold case investigator in the United States is $31.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cold case investigator?

Cold case investigators are law enforcement professionals who specialize in reviewing and solving unsolved criminal cases, often years or decades after the initial investigation. They use modern investigative techniques, such as forensic technology and DNA analysis, to re-examine evidence and generate new leads. Their goal is to bring resolution to cases that have gone 'cold' due to a lack of evidence or leads, providing justice for victims and closure for families.

What does a cold case investigator do?

A cold case is an investigation that has gone unsolved after more than a year; initial efforts did not yield enough evidence to identify or arrest a suspect, or to come to any definitive conclusions. Cold case investigators re-open these cases to bring a fresh perspective to the collected evidence or when new evidence has surfaced. In this role, you review forensic data that has already been collected and look at witness statements and incident reports received at the time. When possible, you may also go back to the crime scene to try to visualize what may have happened and interview witnesses or previous investigators again to find new leads. Your goal is to move the case forward towards a conclusion and a conviction when possible.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cold case investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cold Case Investigator, you need a background in criminal justice or law enforcement, strong analytical skills, and experience in investigative procedures, often supported by a relevant degree and police academy training. Familiarity with forensic technology, crime databases (such as NCIC), and evidence management systems is essential. Persistence, critical thinking, and excellent communication skills help investigators collaborate with colleagues, witnesses, and victims’ families. These skills are crucial for effectively re-examining unresolved cases, uncovering new evidence, and delivering justice in complex investigations.

How does a cold case investigator typically collaborate with other law enforcement professionals during an investigation?

Cold Case Investigators often work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including forensic analysts, detectives, prosecutors, and sometimes federal agencies. Collaboration is key to re-examining evidence, conducting new interviews, and leveraging advancements in technology such as DNA analysis. Regular meetings and case reviews ensure all team members are aligned and can bring their specialized expertise to bear on unresolved cases. This teamwork increases the chances of uncovering new leads and ultimately solving long-standing cases.

What cities are hiring for Cold Case Investigator jobs?

Cities with the most Cold Case Investigator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cold Case Investigator jobs?

The most popular types of Cold Case Investigator jobs are:

What states have the most Cold Case Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cold Case Investigator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Cold Case Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 65% Physical, and 35% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,950 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Private Investigator

Digistream Investigations

NY • Remote

$46K - $54K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description


DigiStream Investigations seeks adaptable risk-takers and curious thrill-seekers who are restless in mundane jobs.

Being a Private Eye isn’t exactly like what you’ve seen on TV or in the movies. You won’t be James Bond or Inspector Gadget, you will be someone who has a rewarding career with autonomy, travel, and purpose.

As a Surveillance Investigator, you will be in the field, collecting video evidence of an assigned subject in their day-to-day activities. Each day will be different and present its own challenges. There will be days of following an individual in the community, blending in the background of multiple locations, and following a vehicle through traffic. There will also be days requiring utmost vigilance while stationed undercover.

Your Mission: 

  • Conduct covert surveillance (vehicle and foot pursuits) to collect video evidence for use in fraud investigations
  • Collaborate with Field Operations to craft pre-surveillance strategies, review tactics, and report subject activity
  • Utilize internal resources to submit evidence footage and complete case reports in an efficient manner
  • Provide court testimony as needed

NO PI LICENSE REQUIRED - ALL EQUIPMENT & VEHICLE (with gas & maint. cards) PROVIDED ON DAY ONE

Details: 

  • Paid hands-on training program developed over the course of 25 years
  • Late model surveillance vehicle provided (ex. Toyota Highlander, Honda Odyssey), modified for investigator comfort and enabling case success
  • Door-to-Door Pay (all driving is on the clock - daily overtime)
  • Entry level position with room to grow in a dedicated Investigator promotional track
  • Starting pay: $19/hour, raises at 90-day and annual reviews
  • Performance-based incentives and earned specializations
  • Monthly phone bill reimbursement
  • PTO accrual starting on your first day, benefits offered at 60, and 401k offered at six months
  • Paid travel, meal per-diem, and accommodations provided on remote cases
  • Working Conditions: sitting for extended periods, long-distance driving, maintaining surveillance position in hot or cold environments, foot pursuits, frequent video camera use, typing and viewing a laptop monitor

Requirements: 

  • High school diploma or GED. Degree or military experience preferred.
  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Must have valid driver’s license
  • Must currently live in Rochester, NY area
  • Open availability, including weekends and holidays (average 50 hours/week)
  • Ability to start work as early as 5am daily with occasional work into the evenings
  • Ability to pass DMV check & background check
  • Confident driving skills
  • Willingness to travel and stay overnight on remote assignments (as needed)
  • Accountability for working under minimal supervision
  • Adaptability to blend in while undercover in any location with any activity

The vibes at DigiStream: 

  • Certified Great Place to Work ®
  • Encouragement to challenge yourself in your abilities, learn from others, and grow (professionally and personally).
  • Opportunities to further education in the industry and develop professional skills through optional participation in our Leadership Development Program, Mentorship, and resource groups
  • Commitment to building a supportive environment for employees to do meaningful work and build stable careers
  • Active participation in the communities we serve at local, regional, national, and international levels through volunteerism, nonprofit partnerships, donations, and our focus on environmental sustainability
  • Expressed employee appreciation and acknowledgement of individual successes
  • Core Values of Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Empathy