ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Covert Surveillance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCovert Surveillance Jobs

Covert Surveillance information

See salary details

$15

$23

$29

How much do covert surveillance jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for covert surveillance in the United States is $23.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by covert surveillance professionals, and how are these challenges typically addressed?

Covert surveillance professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining discretion in unpredictable environments, adapting quickly to changing situations, and managing long hours of observation without detection. To address these, teams typically rely on rigorous training, advanced technology, and strong communication protocols. Regular debriefings and teamwork are essential to ensure safety, operational success, and the ability to handle high-pressure scenarios while remaining undetected.

How much does FBI surveillance make?

FBI surveillance agents, such as special agents involved in covert operations, typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience and rank. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and years of service, and agents may work irregular hours and in high-pressure environments.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

Covert surveillance jobs, such as private investigator or security consultant roles, can pay $10,000 or more per month, especially for experienced professionals or those working independently. These positions often require specialized skills, certifications, and experience in surveillance techniques, and may involve irregular hours or high-stakes environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Covert Surveillance Operative, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Covert Surveillance Operative, you need keen observational skills, strong attention to detail, and often a background in law enforcement or security, sometimes supported by specialized surveillance training. Familiarity with surveillance technology such as cameras, GPS trackers, and audio recording devices is typically required, along with knowledge of legal regulations governing surveillance. Discretion, patience, adaptability, and strong situational awareness are crucial soft skills for maintaining cover and reacting to dynamic environments. These competencies are vital for gathering accurate intelligence without detection, ensuring both effectiveness and legality in sensitive operations.

What is the difference between Covert Surveillance vs Private Investigator?

AspectCovert SurveillancePrivate Investigator
CredentialsMay require security or surveillance certificationsOften requires licensing and investigative certifications
Work EnvironmentField-based, often outdoors or in public settingsFieldwork and office work, including interviews and research
Employer & IndustrySecurity firms, law enforcement, private agenciesPrivate investigation agencies, legal firms
Search & Comparison IntentYes, often compared for investigative rolesYes, related but broader investigative work

Covert Surveillance focuses specifically on discreetly observing individuals or locations, often requiring specialized skills and certifications. Private Investigators have a broader scope, including interviews, research, and surveillance. Both roles are essential in investigations but differ mainly in scope and methods.

What does a covert surveillance officer do?

A covert surveillance officer conducts discreet monitoring of individuals or locations to gather evidence or intelligence without detection. They use specialized equipment, such as cameras and listening devices, and often work in various environments, requiring skills in observation, patience, and sometimes physical fitness. The role may involve working irregular hours and adhering to legal and ethical standards related to privacy and surveillance laws.

What is covert surveillance?

Covert surveillance is the practice of monitoring individuals or groups without their knowledge, usually to gather information for law enforcement, security, or investigative purposes. This can involve using hidden cameras, undercover agents, or tracking devices to observe behaviors discreetly. The goal is to collect evidence or intelligence while minimizing the risk of detection, which is essential in criminal investigations, corporate security, or national security operations. Covert surveillance must be conducted within legal and ethical boundaries, often requiring authorization or warrants depending on jurisdiction.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Covert surveillance jobs typically do not pay $2000 a day; high-paying roles in security or intelligence fields, such as private investigators or security consultants, may reach such earnings with experience and specialized skills. These roles often require certifications, discretion, and sometimes work in high-stakes environments, but daily rates of this level are uncommon outside executive or consulting positions.
What cities are hiring for Covert Surveillance jobs? Cities with the most Covert Surveillance job openings:
What states have the most Covert Surveillance jobs? States with the most job openings for Covert Surveillance jobs include:
Infographic showing various Covert Surveillance job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $48,820 per year, or $23.5 per hour.
Surveillance Investigator

Surveillance Investigator

Advantage Surveillance LLC

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Surveillance Investigator

Full Job Description:

Surveillance Investigator – Advantage Investigations

WE'RE GROWING AND ADDING TO OUR TEAM OF FULL-TIME INVESTIGATORS!

  • FULL RATE Door to Door hourly pay
  • Fuel Card provided
  • Monthly Vehicle Allowance
  • Monthly Cell Phone Allowance
  • Equipment Provided

Advantage Investigations has been the Nation’s only insurance defense investigation firm for the past 28 years. We invest in the operational capabilities necessary to produce consistent, high-quality results — ultimately helping our clients “See What’s True.”

With over 200+ licensed private investigators nationwide, Advantage Investigations uses strategic planning and cutting-edge technology to deliver greater clarity on claimants’ daily activities. We specialize in covert surveillance, claims investigations, NetSweep investigations, remote-controlled surveillance, and more — saving our clients time and money on insurance fraud cases.

Advantage Investigations is seeking a full-time Surveillance Investigator / Private Investigator in Pittsburgh, PA and the surrounding areas. The qualified candidate will be responsible for conducting daily covert surveillance, investigating daily activities, obtaining video evidence, and providing clear reports of all activities for our operations team along with basic claims investigations. As a private investigator with Advantage Investigations, you will be provided with a comprehensive training program, door-to-door pay, fuel card, vehicle and phone allowance, top-of-the-line equipment, as well as other generous benefits. This position requires daily travel within the investigator’s area/territory.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Conducting surveillance including covert, stationary, and mobile
  • Conducting surveillance throughout their home state and surrounding states
  • Recording subject activity on a video recording device
  • Conducting alive and well checks, locates, basic scene investigations, paint sample analysis, EDR, and RCS deployments/retrievals
  • Preparing and completing a written report of observations
  • Uploading Video Evidence and a surveillance report

Qualifications & Requirements:

  • Current PA Private Investigator License preferred
  • Private Investigator Licenses required – Licensing differs between states
  • Previous experience related to surveillance/claims investigations is preferred
  • Access to a reliable, suitable surveillance vehicle for day-to-day use
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Ability to provide MVR (driving record)
  • Willingness to travel throughout home state and surrounding states for work
  • Varying weekly work schedule includes weekend and holiday availability
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Self-motivated, ability to work independently
  • Meet state mandated requirements to obtain and maintain a Private Investigator license in multiple states
  • Must pass a Drug Screen

Compensation: Investigators are paid door to door at an hourly rate commensurate with experience, within $20.00 to $27.00 an hour. Employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis.

Company Benefits:

  • Door to Door hourly pay
  • Fuel Card provided
  • Monthly Vehicle Allowance
  • Monthly Cell Phone Allowance
  • Equipment Provided
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability insurance
  • Life Insurance and other supplemental options
  • Paid Lodging (when applicable), and per diem pay when out of town
  • 2 weeks of PTO (paid time off)
  • Parental Leave

Advantage Investigations is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.