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Entry Level Private Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ethos Risk Services

Entry-Level Investigator

Boston, MA

$50K - $61K/yr

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

Boston, MA · On-site

$22/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

Denver, CO · On-site

$19/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

Brooklyn, 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 ...

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

Brigantine, NJ

$46K - $57K/yr

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

Bronx, 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 ...

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 ...

Ethos Risk Services

Entry-Level Investigator

Miami, FL

$44K - $54K/yr

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

Lafayette, LA

$44K - $54K/yr

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

Ventura, CA

$51K - $62K/yr

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

Astoria, NY

$51K - $62K/yr

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 Jul 18, 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 does an entry level private investigator do?

An entry level private investigator assists in gathering information for private clients or organizations, often under the supervision of a more experienced investigator. Their responsibilities commonly include conducting background checks, surveillance, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence for cases such as insurance fraud, missing persons, or legal disputes. They typically spend time in the field and the office, documenting their findings and preparing reports. Entry level investigators may also learn to use various tools and technology to support their cases. This role requires attention to detail, discretion, and strong observational skills.

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.

More about Entry Level Private Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Private Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Private Investigator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Private Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Private Investigator jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Private Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Private Investigator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Private Investigator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Private Investigator jobs are:
Entry Level Private Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Private Investigator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,726 per year, or $26.8 per hour.
Entry-Level Investigator

Entry-Level Investigator

Ethos Risk Services

Boston, MA

$50K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

ABOUT US:

Ethos Risk Services is a leading insurance claims investigation and medical management company, specializing in surveillance and fraud detection. At the forefront of, we provide accurate data and actionable insights that translate into better decision-making for our clients. To learn more, visit: https://ethosrisk.com/about-us/

JOB SUMMARY:

Have you ever thought about becoming a Private Investigator? Are you ready to kick-start your career in a rapidly growing industry? Want to get paid to learn how to investigate fraud and conduct covert surveillance in the real world? Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you with an industry leading FULLY PAID Investigator Training Program - no prior experience necessary!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Case Preparation: Conduct preliminary investigations using social media and analyzing database research.
  • Field Surveillance: Perform covert surveillance from your vehicle by tracking and capturing high-quality video evidence of surveillance targets.
  • Report Writing: Draft detailed and court-ready investigative reports summarizing activity and key findings.
  • Documentation: Finalize case files by submitting case reports and uploading video footage via personal laptop at the end of the day.
  • Communication: Work closely with field supervisor, receiving regular guidance and mentorship.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Driver's License: Active driver's license that is not currently suspended or revoked.
  • Personal Vehicle: A well-maintained vehicle that is always reliable (preferably with tinted windows). Proof of auto insurance coverage is required.
  • Travel Expectations: While we aim to keep assignments within a reasonable drive of your residence, occasional further travel and overnight stays (covered by the company) may be required.
  • Technology: A reliable laptop, cell phone, and internet service are needed for communication and administrative tasks.
  • Required Skills: Strong computer & internet proficiency. Excellent communication, verbal & writing skills.

WHAT WE OFFER:

  • Paid Investigator Training Program: Fully paid training program led by industry experts with ongoing development and support. Initial training will be held via virtual classroom then transition into on-the-job training.
  • Paid Licensing: We pay for all your licensing fees! Our licensing team will guide you through the process of acquiring all investigator licensing to ensure a smooth process.
  • Surveillance Equipment: We will provide you with necessary surveillance equipment. After a year of employment, it is yours to keep!
  • Pay Increases & Milage Reimbursement: There are several performance milestones within your training & first year of employment that will reward you with pay increases. Additionally, we offer a mileage reimbursement program.
  • Health Insurance/Retirement: Medical, Dental Vision, Life/Disability Insurance + 401k

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Most surveillance cases start at 6:00AM. End time can vary depending on activity and a typical workday can vary from 3-12 hours.
  • Weekends/holidays are common workdays as claimants are more likely to be active.
  • This is an independent role often requiring long hours alone in your vehicle, regardless of weather conditions.
  • Must remain alert with no external distractions, ready to use videography equipment to document subjects.

Ethos Risk Services is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of religious creed, sex, national origin, race, veteran status, disability, age, marital status, color or sexual orientation or any other characteristic.


A background check will be conducted, in accordance to the local state law and regulations.

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