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Field Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Field Investigator

Columbia, SC ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

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 For the ...

Field Investigator

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Advantage Surveillance is the Nation's only insurance defense investigation firm that invests in the operational capabilities necessary to produce consistent, high-quality results--ultimately helping ...

Field Investigator

Newark, NJ ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

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 ...

Field Investigator

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Advantage Surveillance is the Nation's only insurance defense investigation firm that invests in the operational capabilities necessary to produce consistent, high-quality results--ultimately helping ...

Field Investigator

Orlando, FL ยท On-site

$22 - $26/hr

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 ...

As a SIU Field Investigator responsibilities include investigating suspected fraud, conducting detailed case reviews, and handling complex BI fraud investigations, including staged accidents, claim ...

As a SIU Field Investigator responsibilities include investigating suspected fraud, conducting detailed case reviews, and handling complex BI fraud investigations, including staged accidents, claim ...

SIU Field Investigator

Bronx, NY ยท On-site +1

$68K - $104K/yr

National General Insurance is currently seeking an experienced SIU Field Investigator to join our Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in New York! This is a field-based, location-specific position, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Field Investigator information

See salary details

$27.5K

$52.4K

$85K

How much do field investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for field investigator in the United States is $52,394.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $57,000.00 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.

What cities are hiring for Field Investigator jobs?

Cities with the most Field Investigator job openings:

What states have the most Field Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Field Investigator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Field Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,394 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Field Investigator

Advantage Surveillance LLC

Columbia, SC โ€ข On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

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

 

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 the Columbia, SC and surrounding areas. The qualified candidate will be responsible for conducting 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, 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.

Current SC Private Investigator License preferred but not required


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 written reports of observations
  • Uploading video evidence and surveillance reports

Qualifications & Requirements:
  • Current SC 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
  • 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