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Field Investigator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Richmond, VA

Our dynamic Ethos team is seeking an Experienced Field Investigator to conduct surveillance and investigative activities to identify potential fraudulent insurance claims. This role involves ...

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Our dynamic Ethos team is seeking an Experienced Field Investigator to conduct surveillance and investigative activities to identify potential fraudulent insurance claims. This role involves ...

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Our dynamic Ethos team is seeking an Experienced Field Investigator to conduct surveillance and investigative activities to identify potential fraudulent insurance claims. This role involves ...

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Roanoke, VA

Our dynamic Ethos team is seeking an Experienced Field Investigator to conduct surveillance and investigative activities to identify potential fraudulent insurance claims. This role involves ...

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Our dynamic Ethos team is seeking an Experienced Field Investigator to conduct surveillance and investigative activities to identify potential fraudulent insurance claims. This role involves ...

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Our dynamic Ethos team is seeking an Experienced Field Investigator to conduct surveillance and investigative activities to identify potential fraudulent insurance claims. This role involves ...

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Richmond, VA · On-site

Our dynamic Ethos team is seeking an Experienced Field Investigator to conduct surveillance and investigative activities to identify potential fraudulent insurance claims. This role involves ...

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$21.25 - $26.25/hr

The surveillance investigator position is a field based, hourly, and non-exempt position. This position requires daily travel within the designated city/territory in the advertised city and state.

OPEN SOURCE ENGINEERING LLC

Field Inspector

Mclean, VA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

OSE specializes in the investigation, evaluation, and rehabilitation of existing buildings, including structural and building enclosure systems. The ideal candidate will assist with field ...

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All JobsField Investigator JobsField Investigator Jobs in Virginia

Field Investigator information

See Virginia salary details

$27.3K

$51.9K

$84.3K

How much do field investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for field investigator in Virginia is $51,944.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $56,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a field investigator?

Field investigators are professionals who gather information, evidence, or data outside of a traditional office setting. They often conduct interviews, inspect sites, observe conditions, and collect documentation relevant to investigations in areas such as insurance, law enforcement, research, or compliance. Their work typically involves traveling to various locations, interacting with people, and preparing detailed reports of their findings. Field investigators play a crucial role in ensuring accurate, on-the-ground information is obtained to support decision-making processes.

What does a field investigator do?

A field investigator performs surveillance and investigation tasks on behalf of institutions such as law enforcement agencies, law firms, insurance companies, or private individuals. As a field investigator, your duties may include locating subjects, surveilling individuals, conducting background checks and online research, interviewing witnesses, and inspecting documents. In some industries, you may work at a crime scene where your responsibilities include recording statements and gathering evidence. When you complete your investigations, you write detailed reports while complying with all state and federal privacy regulations.

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

To thrive as a Field Investigator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice or a related field, often supported by relevant certifications. Familiarity with investigation management software, surveillance equipment, and evidence collection tools is typically required. Excellent communication, discretion, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and effectively gather information. These skills are crucial for conducting thorough investigations, ensuring legal compliance, and producing reliable findings.

What are some common challenges faced by field investigators when conducting on-site investigations, and how can they address them?

Field Investigators often encounter challenges such as uncooperative witnesses, difficult-to-access locations, or incomplete information while conducting on-site investigations. To overcome these obstacles, it's important to develop strong interpersonal and communication skills, maintain adaptability, and meticulously document findings. Collaborating closely with team members and leveraging technology (such as GPS tracking and digital reporting tools) can also help streamline investigations and ensure thorough, reliable results.

What is the difference between Field Investigator vs Process Server?

AspectField InvestigatorProcess Server
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; sometimes relevant certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires certification or licensing
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, client sites, courts, and public areasDelivering legal documents, often in various locations
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate investigation firms, legal support servicesLegal firms, courts, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles involve fieldwork and require knowledge of legal procedures, but Field Investigators focus on gathering information and evidence, while Process Servers specialize in delivering legal documents. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path in the legal and investigative industries.

How do you become a field investigator?

To become a field investigator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may require a college degree or relevant experience in investigations, law enforcement, or security. Training often includes learning investigative techniques, report writing, and using tools like surveillance equipment; obtaining certifications such as private investigator licenses may also be necessary depending on the jurisdiction.
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The top searched job categories for Field Investigator jobs in Virginia are:

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Field Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Field Investigator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,944 per year, or $25 per hour.

Field Investigator

Advantage Surveillance LLC

Richmond, VA • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

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 Richmond, VA 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 VA 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 $25.00 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.