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Defense Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Advantage Surveillance LLC

Field Investigator

Newark, NJ · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

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 ...

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Austin, TX · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

The Criminal Defense Private Investigator will be responsible for conducting investigations related to criminal defense cases. Responsibilities: * Conduct investigations related to criminal & civil ...

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Austin, TX · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

The Criminal Defense Private Investigator will be responsible for conducting investigations related to criminal defense cases. Responsibilities: * Conduct investigations related to criminal & civil ...

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Austin, TX · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

The Criminal Defense Private Investigator will be responsible for conducting investigations related to criminal defense cases. Responsibilities: * Conduct investigations related to criminal & civil ...

Pierce County

Investigator/Process Server 2

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$37.27 - $47.14/hr

The mission of the Department of Assigned Counsel is to provide and administer the public defense ... Bring your investigative and report-writing skills, and you will succeed in this position ...

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Addison, TX · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

LJK Investigations, a leading investigation firm is seeking an experienced Private Investigator to ... Strong knowledge of criminal defense laws and regulations * Excellent analytical skills with the ...

NACBA

Criminal Defense Attorney

Kent, WA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Investigation & Case Preparation: Review police reports, analyze body-worn camera footage, evaluate forensic evidence, and conduct field investigations to build trial defense theories. * Motion ...

NACBA

$100 - $125/hr

Investigation & Case Preparation: Review police reports, analyze body-worn camera footage, evaluate forensic evidence, and conduct field investigations to build trial defense theories. * Motion ...

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Defense Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do defense investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense investigator?

Defense Investigators are professionals who work primarily with defense attorneys to gather, analyze, and present evidence that may support the defense in criminal or civil cases. Their responsibilities include interviewing witnesses, collecting documents, visiting crime scenes, and finding information that may challenge the prosecution's case. Defense Investigators play a crucial role in ensuring that the defendant receives a fair trial by uncovering facts that may otherwise be overlooked. They often have backgrounds in law enforcement, criminal justice, or related fields and must adhere to strict ethical and legal standards. Their work can significantly influence the outcome of legal proceedings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense investigator?

To thrive as a Defense Investigator, you need a solid understanding of criminal law, investigative techniques, and evidence handling, often supported by a relevant degree or law enforcement background. Familiarity with case management systems, surveillance tools, and public records databases is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent interpersonal communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for gathering accurate information, building effective defenses, and ensuring due process for clients.

What are some common challenges faced by defense investigators when gathering evidence for a case?

Defense Investigators often encounter challenges such as limited access to certain evidence, uncooperative witnesses, or navigating complex legal and ethical boundaries while conducting their investigations. They must carefully document their findings and ensure all evidence is gathered legally and ethically to be admissible in court. Additionally, working under tight deadlines and managing multiple cases simultaneously can require strong organizational and time management skills. Collaborating effectively with attorneys and other members of the defense team is also crucial to address any legal or investigative hurdles that arise.

What is the difference between Defense Investigator vs Private Investigator?

AspectDefense InvestigatorPrivate Investigator
CredentialsTypically requires security clearances, law enforcement or military background, and investigative certificationsRequires licensing, background checks, and investigative training, but generally no security clearance
Work EnvironmentOften works for defense attorneys, government agencies, or law firms, primarily in legal or courtroom settingsWorks independently or for agencies, in various settings including surveillance, background checks, and personal investigations
Employer & IndustryLegal, government, defense industryPrivate sector, legal, insurance, and individual clients

Defense Investigators focus on gathering evidence for legal cases, often working within the legal and government sectors, and may require security clearances. Private Investigators handle a broader range of personal and commercial investigations, working independently or for agencies. Both roles require investigative skills and licensing, but Defense Investigators typically have more specialized credentials related to legal and security work.

How do you become a defense investigator?

To become a defense investigator, candidates typically need a background in criminal justice, law enforcement, or related fields, along with strong investigative skills. Many employers prefer candidates with prior experience, a valid driver's license, and sometimes security clearances; certifications such as the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) can also be beneficial.
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Defense Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Field Investigator

Winston Salem, NC • On-site

Advantage Surveillance LLC
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Advantage Surveillance LLCexternal

$20 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

For the past 28 years, Advantage Investigations has been the Nation’s only insurance defense investigation firm that invests 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 uses strategic planning and technology to give our clients greater clarity on a claimant's daily activities. Providing Covert Surveillance, Claims Investigations, Net-Sweep Investigations, Remote Controlled Surveillance, and more, we’re able to save our clients time and money on insurance fraud cases.

Advantage Investigations is seeking a Full Time Private Investigator in Greensboro & surrounding areas. The qualified candidate will be responsible for conducting covert surveillance, investigating daily activities, obtaining video evidence, and providing a clear report of all activities for our operations team along with basic claims investigations. As a private investigator, 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, stationery, 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 NC 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 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 $26.00 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
  • 401(k) – with match
  • 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.