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Investigative Agent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Investigative Agent information

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$21.5K

$66.2K

$112.5K

How much do investigative agent jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for investigative agent in the United States is $66,234.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $77,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying investigator job?

The highest paying investigator roles are often senior positions such as private investigators, corporate security investigators, or specialized forensic investigators, with salaries exceeding $80,000 annually. Factors like experience, certifications, and industry sector influence earning potential, and investigators working in high-risk or sensitive environments tend to earn more.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Investigative Agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Investigative Agent, you need strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice or a related field, often supported by relevant licensing or law enforcement experience. Familiarity with surveillance technology, case management software, and evidence collection tools is typically required. Excellent communication, discretion, and problem-solving skills are crucial for building trust and navigating complex investigations. These skills ensure thorough, confidential, and effective investigations that uphold legal standards and organizational integrity.

What are Investigative Agents?

Investigative Agents are professionals responsible for conducting investigations to gather facts and evidence related to criminal or civil cases. They often work for law enforcement agencies, private organizations, or government bodies, using techniques like interviews, surveillance, and research. Their duties may include collecting and analyzing information, preparing reports, and testifying in court. Investigative Agents must have strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, and often require specialized training or certification. They play a crucial role in ensuring justice and upholding the law.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Investigative agents typically do not earn $500,000 annually; high earnings in investigative roles are rare and usually involve senior positions, private investigation firms, or specialized security consulting. Most professionals in this field earn lower salaries, with top executives or business owners in related security industries reaching higher income levels. Achieving such high earnings generally requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and a successful business or leadership role.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

Investigative agents typically do not earn $1,000,000 annually; such high earnings are usually associated with top executives, successful entrepreneurs, or specialized professionals in finance, technology, or entertainment. Some high-level roles in these fields can reach or exceed this income level, often requiring extensive experience, advanced skills, and significant responsibilities.

What is the difference between Investigative Agent vs Private Investigator?

AspectInvestigative AgentPrivate Investigator
CredentialsTypically requires licensing, background checks, and sometimes security or law enforcement experienceRequires licensing, background checks, and law enforcement or investigative training
Work EnvironmentOften employed by private firms, corporations, or government agencies; may work in offices or in the fieldPrimarily works in the field, conducting surveillance, interviews, and investigations
Employer & IndustryUsed across private security, corporate investigations, and government sectorsCommonly employed by private investigation firms, law firms, or individuals
Search & Comparison IntentInvestigative Agent vs Private Investigator

Investigative Agents and Private Investigators share similar roles involving investigations and surveillance. However, Investigative Agents may work more in corporate or government settings and often have broader responsibilities, while Private Investigators typically focus on personal or legal cases. Both require licensing and investigative skills, but their work environments and employer types differ slightly.

How does an Investigative Agent typically collaborate with other departments during an investigation?

Investigative Agents often work closely with various internal teams such as legal, compliance, and security, as well as external agencies, depending on the nature of the investigation. Effective communication and information sharing are key, as agents may need to coordinate interviews, gather documents, or ensure evidence is handled properly. Collaborative efforts help streamline investigations, maintain objectivity, and uphold organizational or legal standards. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for resolving cases efficiently and mitigating potential risks.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

Investigative agents or private investigators can earn around $10,000 per month through case fees, retainers, and commissions, especially with experience and a strong client base. High earnings often require specialized skills, licensing, and working independently or for agencies, with income varying based on location and workload.
Who are the top companies hiring for Investigative Agent jobs? The top employers for Investigative Agent jobs are:
Infographic showing various Investigative Agent job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,234 per year, or $31.8 per hour.
Fugitive Apprehension Agent

Fugitive Apprehension Agent

State of Oklahoma

Mcalester, OK • On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Plan, conduct, and coordinate specialized investigations to locate, apprehend, and return offenders who have escaped the custody of the Department of Corrections.

  • Gather and analyze information, including conducting interviews with individuals connected to escapees, to identify their whereabouts.

  • Coordinate and participate in undercover investigations, raids, surveillance, and execution of arrests and search warrants related to fugitive apprehension.


Job description

Job Posting Title
Fugitive Apprehension Agent
Agency
131 DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Supervisory Organization
DOC Ofc of Inspector General
Job Posting End Date
Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.
Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)
Full/Part-Time
Full time
Job Type
Regular
Compensation
Level I: $50,000.00
Level II: $55,000.00
Level III: $60,000.00
Job Description
Basic Purpose:
Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities for performing advanced level specialized investigations in order to locate, apprehend and return offenders who have escaped the custody of the Department of Corrections. Additional investigations include those related to criminal activities within state correctional facilities, administrative investigations concerning violations of policy by staff, and investigations of facilities to insure compliance with operational procedures concerning inmate security.
Typical Functions:
  • Plan, conducts and coordinates specialized investigations in order to locate, apprehend and return offenders who have escaped the custody of the Department of Corrections (DOC).
  • Gathers and analyzes information, including interviews of cellmates, associates, relatives, visitors, and DOC employees who had daily contact with the escapee; attempts to identify and interview other individuals who might know the present whereabouts of the escapee.
  • Arrests and returns escapee to the custody of the Department of Corrections upon determining the escapee's location. Testifies in court regarding the investigation, apprehension and return to custody of the escapee for the prosecution on the escape charge.
  • Coordinates and participates in undercover investigations, raids and/or surveillance of persons or targeted locations or establishments where it is believed the escaped offender is present; obtains and executes arrests and search warrants and other court orders; prepares and presents affidavits to District Attorneys and testifies in court on new felony charges that are discovered during fugitive investigations.
  • Assists federal, state, county and city law enforcement agencies with criminal investigations of law violations occurring on Department of Correction's property or those involving department employees, inmates or community supervised offenders.
  • Plans and implements executive protection assignments when investigation reveals legitimate threats made against the Director and/or members of Executive Staff; assignments include but are not limited to: intelligence gathering, static and mobile surveillance, shadow and bodyguard details; provides security for visiting dignitaries.
  • Assists agency Legal Division as requested with ongoing cases, including, but not limited to, surveillance, record inquiries, and service of subpoenas in civil and criminal cases.
  • Maintains a current record system of all escapees at large; maintains various types of equipment in a constant state of readiness; notifies all law enforcement agencies of escapes. Assists agency Legal Division as requested with ongoing cases including, but not limited to, surveillance, record inquiries, and service of subpoenas in civil and criminal cases.
  • Conducts criminal investigations of crimes occurring within a correctional facility, including murder, rape, illegal use of drugs, robbery, theft, arson and fraud; investigates accidents resulting in death or serious injury. Interviews witnesses, suspects, victims and others; secures crime scenes to insure preservation of evidence or clues; marks and tags evidence to maintain chain of custody; prepares appropriate investigative reports; appears and testifies in court.
  • Conducts quarterly inspections of facilities to monitor security procedures; investigates alleged violations of policies and procedures; researches information concerning death row inmates and prepares reports of findings for review by the Governor; monitors inmate mail and telephone calls; maintains custody of contraband seized during security searches; maintains equipment and supplies for urinalysis testing.
  • Collects information in order to conduct an initial assessment and analysis for the purpose of entry into the Department of Corrections (DOC) data systems regarding inmates who would pose a threat within the DOC and/or outside communities.
  • Collects information on threat groups within the Department of Corrections (DOC) which includes criminal street gangs, prison gangs, Mexican drug trafficking cartels, international and domestic terror groups, and other threats within DOC that may also threaten outside communities.
  • Conducts preliminary investigations into individual(s) and groups that are involved in threat matters to determine if full criminal investigations are warranted.
  • Responds to requests for information and assistants from outside law enforcement agencies and others.
  • Develops and presents training seminars on individuals and groups involved in threat matters.
  • Assists in the development of written products which will assist the Department of Corrections (DOC) and law enforcement agencies in identifying individual(s) and groups involved in threats and the identification of tradecraft used by individual(s) and groups.

Level Descriptor:
Level I:
This is the basic level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibilities for performing a full range of investigations concerning inmate escapes, various crimes, and administrative investigations of policy violations by staff in an assigned institution, facility or area.
Level II:
This is the career level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibilities for a full range of investigations and inspections related to solving crimes committed in a correctional facility, the apprehension of escapees, and violations of agency policies. Responsibilities may include providing training and assistance to new agents in the completion of various requirements. Employees at this level perform work on high profile cases of wide scope and that are complex in nature. Polygraph examinations are also conducted by employees assigned to this level within the Department of Corrections.
Level III:
This is the specialist level where employees serve as a subject matter expert in a specific area of investigations such as crime scene investigations, polygraph, cellular telephone forensics or computer forensics; responsible for more complex and difficult investigations and assignments
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies:
Level I:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the principles and techniques of investigation; of federal and state laws pertaining to search and seizures; of laws, rules and regulations pertaining to correctional operating units; of the methods and techniques of interviewing for the purpose of developing written reports and background information; of the methods and objectives of discipline required for persons under restraint; of the use and care of firearms; and of the use of deadly force and firearms safety practices.
Ability is required to organize and present facts clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; to evaluate a situation and adopt an effective course of action; to exercise alertness and be able to respond quickly in an emergency; to successfully complete any necessary training required by the agency; and to maintain physical fitness necessary to discharge assigned duties and responsibilities
Level II:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the principles and techniques of investigation; of federal and state laws pertaining to search and seizures; of laws, rules and regulations pertaining to correctional operating units; of the methods and techniques of interviewing for the purpose of developing written reports and background information; of the methods and objectives of discipline required for persons under restraint; of the use and care of firearms; and of the use of deadly force and firearms safety practices.
Ability is required to organize and present facts clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; to evaluate a situation and adopt an effective course of action; to exercise alertness and be able to respond quickly in an emergency; to successfully complete any necessary training required by the agency; to maintain physical fitness necessary to discharge assigned duties and responsibilities; to perform highly independent work; and to conduct several investigations simultaneously.
Level III:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the principles and techniques of investigation; of federal and state laws pertaining to search and seizures; of laws, rules and regulations pertaining to correctional operating units; of the methods and techniques of interviewing for the purpose of developing written reports and background information; of the methods and objectives of discipline required for persons under restraint; of the use and care of firearms; of the use of deadly force and firearms safety practices; and of a specific area of investigation practice.
Ability is required to organize and present facts clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; to evaluate a situation and adopt an effective course of action; to exercise alertness and be able to respond quickly in an emergency; to successfully complete any necessary training required by the agency; to maintain physical fitness necessary to discharge assigned duties and responsibilities; to perform highly independent work; to conduct several investigations simultaneously; and to provide consultation, training, mentoring and oversight for other staff in the area of complex investigation practices.
Education and Experience:
Level I:
Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor's degree, including at least twenty-four hours in any combination of penology, psychology, sociology, social work, criminology, education, police science or criminal justice administration and one year of professional experience conducting criminal investigations for a city, county, state or federal government law enforcement entity; or five years' experience as a correctional officer within a State or Privately owned correctional facility; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one additional year of qualifying experience for each year of the required education.
Level II:
Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor's degree, including at least twenty-four hours in any combination of penology, psychology, sociology, social work, criminology, education, police science or criminal justice administration and three years of professional experience conducting criminal investigations for a city, county, state or federal government law enforcement entity; OR ten years' experience as a correctional officer within a State or Privately owned correctional facility; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one additional year of qualifying experience for each year of the required education.
Level III:
Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor's degree, including at least twenty-four hours in any combination of penology, psychology, sociology, social work, criminology, education, police science or criminal justice administration and five years of professional experience conducting criminal investigations for a city, county, state or federal government law enforcement entity; OR fifteen years' experience as a correctional officer within a State or Privately owned correctional facility; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one additional year of qualifying experience for each year of the required education.
Special Requirements:
Applicants must possess a valid Oklahoma driver's license at time of appointment in order to perform necessary travel; have and maintain physical and mental stamina adequate to perform the work; be willing to be on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week; be willing to travel frequently and be away from home for extended periods of time; be willing to transfer where needed and to accept assignment anywhere in the state; pass a rigid character and background investigation; and be willing to accept the physical discomforts and/or dangers inherent in the work.
Applicants will be subject to drug testing.
Fugitive Apprehension Agents shall meet the training and screening requirements conducted by the Department and certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training within twelve (12) months of employment. (57 O.S. 510)
No person who has been convicted of a nonviolent felony or crime involving moral turpitude and who has not received a full pardon from the proper authority, or who has been convicted of any other felony offense, is eligible for employment in this job classification. (70 O.S. 3311.E and 21 O.S. 1283.B)
No person who has received a verdict of guilty or pled guilty or nolo contendere to any offense required to register pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act is eligible for employment in this job classification. (57 O.S. 589.C)
No person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, who has not been pardoned for, or had the conviction expunged or set aside; or is subject to a court order that restrains the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or the partner's child or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner or the partner's child in reasonable fear of bodily injury and includes a finding that the person is a credible threat; or who has been dishonorably discharged from any branch of the armed services is eligible for employment in this job classification. (18 U.S.C. 922)
The Department of Corrections has determined that some positions in this job family are safety sensitive as defined by63 O.S. § 427.8
Contraband Interdiction/McAlester
This is not a remote position.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religi...