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Entry Level Private Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

MO · Remote

$18/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, seeks a talented ... hourly (entry-level), frequent overtime Employee Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, and Life ...

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

IL · Remote

$18/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, seeks a talented ... hourly (entry-level), frequent overtime Employee Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, and Life ...

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

CA · Remote

$20/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, seeks a talented ... hourly (entry-level), frequent overtime Employee Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, and Life ...

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

CA · Remote

$20/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, seeks a talented ... hourly (entry-level), frequent overtime Employee Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, and Life ...

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

NY · Remote

$46K - $54K/yr

Door-to-Door Pay (all driving is on the clock - daily overtime) * Entry level position with room to ... Investigator promotional track * Starting pay: $19/hour, raises at 90-day and annual reviews

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

NY · Remote

$46K - $54K/yr

Door-to-Door Pay (all driving is on the clock - daily overtime) * Entry level position with room to ... Investigator promotional track * Starting pay: $19/hour, raises at 90-day and annual reviews

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

NY · Remote

$20/hr

Door-to-Door Pay (all driving is on the clock - daily overtime) * Entry level position with room to ... Investigator promotional track * Starting pay: $20/hour, raises at 90-day and annual reviews

Quest Court Investigations

Be Seen First

Investigator (entry level)

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Company Description Private Investigations company that only contracts with government agencies since 1987.

Digistream Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

WI · Remote

$18/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, seeks a talented ... hourly (entry-level), frequent overtime Employee Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, and Life ...

Ethos Risk Services

Entry-Level Investigator

Lafayette, LA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Have you ever thought about becoming a Private Investigator? Are you ready to kick-start your ... Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you ...

Ethos Risk Services

Entry-Level Investigator

Orlando, FL · On-site

$18/hr

Have you ever thought about becoming a Private Investigator? Are you ready to kick-start your ... Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you ...

Ethos Risk Services

Entry-Level Investigator

Queens, NY · On-site

$23/hr

Have you ever thought about becoming a Private Investigator? Are you ready to kick-start your ... Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you ...

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Entry Level Private Investigator information

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How much do entry level private investigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level private investigator in the United States is $26.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level private investigator do?

As an entry-level private investigator or PI, your responsibilities are to help investigate personal, legal, and financial issues for clients. Your duties include conducting surveillance on a subject, doing background checks, investigating their personal contacts and habits, and developing reports for clients. As a PI, you may also help locate missing people or track down people who do not want to be contacted. In this entry-level role, you typically work for a larger agency where you assist more senior PIs with research and other duties.

What types of cases and daily tasks can an entry level private investigator expect to handle?

As an entry level private investigator, you'll often start with tasks such as conducting surveillance, background checks, and online research for various cases including insurance fraud, missing persons, or infidelity investigations. You may also assist in gathering evidence, writing reports, and learning how to use investigative tools and databases. While you will work independently at times, collaboration with senior investigators and reporting your findings to supervisors are common parts of the job. Over time, you may be given more complex assignments as you gain experience and demonstrate reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level private investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Private Investigator, you need strong observation skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some states requiring licensure. Familiarity with surveillance equipment, online research tools, and case management software is typically necessary. Discretion, persistence, and effective interpersonal communication are important soft skills for building trust and gathering information. These skills and qualities are crucial for conducting thorough investigations, ensuring legal compliance, and producing reliable results for clients.

What is the difference between Entry Level Private Investigator vs Private Security Officer?

AspectEntry Level Private InvestigatorPrivate Security Officer
Required CredentialsBasic background check, sometimes licensing depending on stateSecurity guard license, if required by state
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, surveillance, researchPatrols, access control, monitoring premises
Employer & IndustryPrivate investigation firms, legal, insuranceSecurity companies, retail, corporate

Entry Level Private Investigators focus on investigations, surveillance, and research, often working for private firms or legal entities. Private Security Officers primarily monitor and protect property or individuals, working in security firms or on-site at various locations. Both roles may require licensing and share similar work environments, but their core duties differ significantly.

How do I get experience as an entry level private investigator?

Entry level private investigators typically gain experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level security roles that develop surveillance, research, and observation skills. Obtaining relevant certifications or licenses and familiarizing oneself with investigative tools can also enhance qualifications for this role.
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Entry Level Private Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Private Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,726 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Private Investigator

Digistream Investigations

MO • Remote

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, seeks a talented addition to our investigation team in the Greater Kansas City region.  
This isn’t your average desk job - being a Private Investigator means you’ll have a career with excitement, travel, autonomy, and purpose. This role is meant for an individual with an adventurous and curious spirit, and the drive to provide our clients with the evidence they need to defend their cases for potentially fraudulent Worker's Compensation claims. 


Work Schedule: Full-time, 50-55 hours per week average, 10-11 hours per day average, depending on travel distance to the case and back to your home (commute time in the company vehicle is "on the clock")
Starting Hourly Pay Rate: $18 hourly (entry-level), frequent overtime
Employee Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance offered, and 401(k) retirement plan with 4% Company Match offered

What you’ll get:

  • A foot in the door to the investigations/security/law enforcement fields
  • Experience conducting covert investigations
  • A job you’ll love going to - no one day is the same
  • Opportunities for growth within the company via our Investigator Promotion Track
  • Unlike most PI companies, DigiStream provides full benefits, a company vehicle and paid travel
  • Professional, hands-on training program developed over the course of 25 years
  • Quarterly team-building events and comradery with fellow team members

Sky is the limit! The skills you learn here can lead to jobs in:

  • FBI / Law Enforcement
  • ATF / US Border Patrol / State Crime Lab
  • Law / Paralegal / Legal Assistant
  • Security / Corporate Investigations
  • Investigative Journalism

What a day in the life of an investigator looks like:

  • Monitoring, following, and videotaping subjects as they conduct their day-to-day activities
  • Vehicle and foot pursuit of subjects while maintaining cover
  • Activity varies from filming someone at a grocery store to filming them at a sports game
  • Crafting pre-surveillance strategies based on the setup location and case details
  • Detailed report writing on the activities observed/captured and submission of video evidence
  • Regular communication with team leader on setup positions, activity and tactics

What you’ll need to apply: