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Investigator Job Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Newark, NJ

$22.50 - $27.75/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.

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$21.75 - $26.75/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.

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Allentown, PA · 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.

VRC Investigations

Desktop Investigator

Denton, TX

$18 - $20/hr

VRC is seeking a Desktop Investigators . The primary responsibility of this position is to assist in the day-to-day insurance fraud defense investigations and operational needs for multi-state ...

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Newark, NJ · On-site

$22.50 - $27.75/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.

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Atlanta, GA

$20.75 - $25.50/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.

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Newark, NJ

$22.50 - $27.75/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.

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$21 - $25.75/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.

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Providence, RI · On-site

$21.75 - $26.75/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.

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Trenton, NJ

$21.50 - $26.50/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.

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Toms River, NJ · On-site

$21.75 - $26.75/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.

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Allentown, PA

$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.

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Investigator Job information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do investigator job jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for investigator job in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers are in investigative?

Careers in investigative work include roles such as private investigators, criminal investigators, forensic analysts, and corporate security specialists. These jobs often require strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of legal procedures, with many professionals obtaining certifications like the Certified Fraud Examiner or completing law enforcement training.

What is the difference between Investigator Job vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectInvestigator JobForensic Scientist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles require degrees in criminal justice or related fieldsBachelor's or master's degree in forensic science, chemistry, or biology
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, private investigation firms, or government officesCrime labs, research facilities, or law enforcement agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement, private investigation, securityCrime scene analysis, evidence examination, research
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding investigative roles in law enforcementUnderstanding forensic analysis and laboratory work

While both Investigator Job and Forensic Scientist work within the criminal justice system, investigators focus on gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and solving cases in the field. Forensic scientists analyze physical evidence in labs to support investigations. The roles often collaborate but require different skills and credentials, with investigators more field-oriented and forensic scientists more lab-focused.

What are some typical challenges investigators face when managing multiple cases simultaneously?

Investigators often juggle several cases at once, which can make prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively a challenge. Balancing competing deadlines, handling sensitive information, and coordinating with various departments or external agencies require strong organizational skills and clear communication. Staying detail-oriented while maintaining big-picture oversight is essential to avoid errors and ensure thorough, unbiased investigations. Many investigators develop robust case management systems and rely on teamwork to help distribute workload and maintain accuracy.

What are Investigators?

Investigators are professionals who gather facts and evidence to solve cases or answer specific questions, often relating to legal, criminal, or private matters. They can work for law enforcement agencies, private companies, or as independent private investigators. Their duties often include conducting interviews, performing surveillance, analyzing records, and preparing reports. Investigators must be detail-oriented, discreet, and knowledgeable about laws and procedures relevant to their field.

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

To thrive as an Investigator, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice or a related field, often supported by certifications or law enforcement experience. Familiarity with case management systems, surveillance technology, and evidence collection tools is typically required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and discretion are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively gathering information, solving cases, and maintaining the integrity of investigations.

What is the highest paid investigator?

The highest paid investigators are often federal agents, such as FBI special agents or DEA agents, who can earn salaries exceeding $100,000 annually, especially with experience and specialized skills. Private investigators with extensive experience, specialized expertise, or working for large firms may also earn high salaries, but federal roles typically offer the highest compensation in the field.

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

Investigator jobs typically do not reach $1,000,000 annually; high earnings in investigative roles are usually found in executive or specialized consulting positions, often requiring extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes ownership of private firms. Most investigative careers have salaries well below this threshold, with top earners in related fields such as corporate security or private investigation earning high six-figure incomes. Achieving a million-dollar annual income generally involves leadership roles, entrepreneurship, or investments beyond standard investigative work.

What is the job of an investigator?

An investigator is responsible for gathering facts, evidence, and information related to specific cases or issues, often through interviews, surveillance, and research. They analyze data to determine the truth, support legal proceedings, or resolve disputes, and may work in fields such as law enforcement, insurance, or private investigation. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of relevant laws are essential for this role.
What cities are hiring for Investigator Job jobs? Cities with the most Investigator Job job openings:
What states have the most Investigator Job jobs? States with the most job openings for Investigator Job jobs include:
Investigator Job jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigator Job job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.
Surveillance Investigator

Surveillance Investigator

VRC Investigations

Newark, NJ

$22.50 - $27.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

We currently have career opportunities for experienced, self-determined, and highly motivated SURVEILLANCE INVESTIGATORS that would like to join our team of professionals in our efforts to deter and combat insurance fraud. 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. Opportunities for advancement include Management, SIU Investigations, and other operational positions.
The primary responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to conducting stationary, mobile, and covert surveillance, and background checks. Investigators will be required to document all findings into a clear and concise report, obtain video evidence, testify as needed at hearings and trials, and work independently with minimal supervision.

The successful candidate will have related experience as either:
  • A private investigator
  • Law enforcement
  • Loss prevention
  • Process Server
  • Security
  • Honorably discharged from any military branch
Core Duties amp; Responsibilities:
  • Ability to conduct stationary, covert, and mobile surveillance
  • Complete detailed and accurate investigative reports
  • Conduct research to develop new information
  • Provide daily updates regarding current files
  • Formulate investigative strategies based on individual assignments
  • Communicate results with clients
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
  • Access to a suitable surveillance vehicle
  • Willing to travel 75% of the time
  • Must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record in accordance with the firm’s guidelines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Must have the ability to work efficiently with little or no supervision.
  • Must pass a drug test and pre-employment test
  • Must have excellent overall computer skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office programs
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Demonstrate ability to analyze information, develop logical questions and accurately report findings
  • Upon receiving a job offer you must attend 1 week of paid formal training at the VRC corporate office. Training will be followed up by on-the-job and specialized training as needed.

Benefits:
VRC provides their investigators with necessary equipment and comparable pay, to include drive time, above normal commute mileage reimbursement, company paid licensing fees in most states and allowance for non-reimbursed business expenses. VRC also offers medical, dental, vision, disability benefits, as well as paid vacation, and a 401K/Profit Sharing retirement plan.

Compensation: VRC employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis. Investigators are paid a competitive hourly wage to commensurate with experience.
For more information, please visit our web site located at https://vrcinvestigations.com/

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