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Investigative Agent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of New York

Investigative Consultant I

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

The Protection Agent will be involved primarily in, complex and sensitive investigations related to children in the custody of ACS, including investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect ...

Arizona Department of Administration

$78K/yr

The mission of the special investigations section is to investigate fraud, intercept illicit proceeds, dismantle criminal organizations, recover assets, and protect Arizonans. A Special Agent will ...

The State of Arizona

SPECIAL AGENT

Phoenix, AZ

$78K/yr

SPECIAL AGENT Apply now Job No: 535616 Work Type: Full-time Location: PHOENIX Categories ... Conduct criminal investigations into violations of the Liquor Law, State, and Federal laws. This ...

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How much do investigative agent jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 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 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 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.
Who are the top companies hiring for Investigative Agent jobs? The top employers for Investigative Agent jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Investigative Agent jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Investigative Agent jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Investigative Agent jobs? For Investigative Agent jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Investigative Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigative Agent job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,234 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Investigative Research Specialist

Laksan Technologies

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Contractor

Posted yesterday

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY
The Investigative Research Specialist will review complaints, collect investigative information, evaluate, collate, analyze, and disseminate findings to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigative section and other OIG personnel in support of investigations and other approved projects. The Research Specialist will work primarily to support the OIG investigative section with highly complex investigations, assisting with the accomplishment of objectives within all phases of the investigation cycle: planning, executing, reporting and prosecution. This initial duration for this role will be 12-months, but may be extended or converted to a permanent role if adequate funding is obtained.
 
SUPERVISION
The Investigative Research Specialist will be supervised by the OIG Director of Investigations. 
(The Investigative Research Specialist does not have any supervisory responsibilities).  
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
 Receives complaints and assesses for initial documentation to be requested from other agencies, reviewing with the Director of Investigations and assigned Special Agent and Attorney.
 
 Receives inquiries, requests for information, and requests for assistance from OIG personnel; reviews, enters and updates submissions; researches the data systems and disseminates requests for information in accordance with established policies and procedures. Queries databases for information parameters, retrieves pertinent data in appropriate output format and disseminates for use in OIG criminal and ethics investigative activities.
 
 Conducts a wide range of analysis in database information and produces analytical products that assist in detecting and identifying suspects modus operandi, potential criminal or ethics violations; and provides statistical data for use in planning the most effective use of investigative resources.
 
 Prepares written and oral reports from information received from various investigative agencies or outside sources for distribution to OIG investigators and other personnel. Combines all related information that has a bearing on a particular criminal or ethical violation or suspect. Analyzes data extracted from these sources in detail to further the goals of the OIG.
 
 Ensures that necessary corrections and/or additions are provided if content or substance is deemed deficient. Monitors the acquisition, maintenance, and release of criminal intelligence information, also responsible for periodic training sessions on the criminal intelligence program and related topics. Reads local, technical, and other publications, and identifies and disseminates information of interest to OIG personnel.
 
 Maintains liaison with other law enforcement, state, and federal agencies to assist and exchange information of mutual interest within confines of policy to ensure rapport in areas of criminal investigation, crime prevention, and criminal intelligence efforts.
 
 Serves as the statistical data and validation technician for Investigations. Maintains and updates all data required for statistical analysis of crime and ethics investigative case activity.
 
 Ensures the source of documents and case files are established and maintained on each applicable database.  The information in the file’s updates and purges information periodically to ensure all OIG information is current and useful for law enforcement purposes. Advises the Director of Investigations on all issues relating to these matters. 
 
 Adheres to and complies with the OIG and SPD Policy and Procedure Manuals.
 
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
 This position is considered essential to support the OIG Investigative Division to complete its priorities, projects, and missions.
 
 Subject to law enforcement sensitive material.
 
 Use skills in operating computer and related software applications with a primary focus on Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Social Media platforms, etc.
 
 Use technology and software to collect and preserve digital data and evidence from electronic equipment.
 
 Able to take large amounts of information and create visual documents for presentations or legal proceedings EX: Link Diagrams, Flow Charts, Map Diagrams, and overlays
 
 May participate in other department operations as deemed necessary.
 
 Perform other duties as assigned.
 
 
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTSEDUCATION
 
 A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law, or a related field is preferred, but extensive three plus (3+) years on-the-job experience in law enforcement, intelligence, communication center, legal office, or investigations will be considered as a substitution for the educational requirement.
 
 If served in the military, has received an honorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the U.S.
 
 No felony or serious misdemeanor convictions. 
 
 Successfully pass a new hire background investigation.
 
 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 
KNOWLEDGE IN:
 Analytical skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. 
 
 Software tools and databases and have excellent research and report writing skills. 
 
 The principles, concepts, methodologies and techniques of investigative analysis and skill to apply this knowledge to a variety of difficult and complex work assignments.
 
 The methods and techniques of fact-finding, analysis and skill application to identify problems and develop a plan of action to resolve causes and deficiencies.
 
 Sources of information and the methods and techniques used to extract, analyze, and target useful investigative data.
 
SKILL IN:
 
 Oral communications to establish and maintain work relationships with other law enforcement and government agencies.
 
 The use and operations of different Social Media platforms
 
 Computers and relevant software applications to include knowledge of Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, creating organized charts or graphs, and capacity to adapt to and learn new software programs quickly.
 
 Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, while encouraging others to express their ideas and opinions.
 
 Providing input into identifying and solving problems.
 
 
ABILITY TO:
 
 Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including other Federal, State and Local investigative agencies.
 
 Anticipate need for information on related job functions and provide it in a timely manner.
 
 Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations related to the collection, distribution, maintaining/protection of confidential information. 
 
 Work independently on assigned duties and projects as needed, or under the direction of the OIG Director of Investigations.
 
 Maintain up-to-date OIG databases and statistical data for inclusion into needed reports. 
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT
 
Performance of the essential duties of this job requires the incumbent to:
 
 Work is performed in an open office setting.
 
 Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time.
 
 Climb a short flight of stairs.
 
 Operate assigned equipment.
 
 Bend, twist, squat, kneel or stoop to perform some duties.
 
 Be able to lift 30lbs. from a kneeling position. 
 
 Maybe exposed to law enforcement sensitive evidence and on rare occasions be exposed to evidence of potentially graphic or offensive material.
 
 May have to travel short distances for OIG job related functions, but no overnight requirements.