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Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

HI · Remote

$24/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing national private investigations firm, seeks a talented addition to our investigative team on the O'ahu island. We are looking for an independent, motivated ...

SPi Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Orlando, FL · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Job Title: Full-Time Private Investigator - Surveillance Specialist Location: Orlando, FL Job Type: Full-Time | Flexible Schedule SPi Investigations is a boutique investigative firm based in Florida ...

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Trenton, NJ · On-site

$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

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

New Rochelle, NY · On-site

$22.25 - $27.50/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

Kansas City, MO · 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

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

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $28.25/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

Surveillance Investigator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$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.

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

IL · Remote

$18/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, seeks a talented addition to our investigation team in the Greater Chicago region. This isn't your average desk job ...

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$25 - $30/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.

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Investigator information

See salary details

$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for investigator 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 does an investigator do?

An Investigator is responsible for gathering facts, collecting evidence, and conducting interviews to solve cases or uncover information. They may work in law enforcement, private investigation, corporate security, or other specialized fields. Their duties often include surveillance, report writing, and presenting findings to clients or authorities. Investigators must be detail-oriented, analytical, and maintain confidentiality throughout their work.

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 relevant degree or law enforcement background. Familiarity with investigative tools, case management software, and sometimes certifications like Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) are typically required. Outstanding communication, critical thinking, and discretion are essential soft skills for gathering information and managing sensitive situations. These skills and qualifications are vital to effectively uncover facts, maintain integrity, and ensure successful case resolution.

How can I become a criminal investigator?

A criminal investigator is an officer of the law who investigates crimes, interviews witnesses, and helps build cases that lead to an indictment. To start a career as a criminal investigator, you need to have several qualifications, which depend largely on the organization for which you plan to work. At the federal level, organizations like the FBI require you to gain acceptance into and complete an intense, five-month training program. For this level, you need significant law enforcement experience, and most applicants hold a degree in criminal justice or a related field. If you want to become a state or local police officer, you still need to attend a police academy, but the qualifications for admission are lower. You need a high school diploma or a GED certificate. However, it can take some time to work up to the level of a criminal investigator or detective.

How do investigators typically work with other departments or external agencies during an investigation?

Investigators often collaborate extensively with other internal departments such as legal, compliance, and human resources, as well as with external agencies like law enforcement or regulatory bodies. This teamwork ensures a thorough and coordinated approach to gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and maintaining proper documentation. Clear communication and strict adherence to protocols are essential to preserve the integrity and confidentiality of the investigation. Building strong working relationships with colleagues and agency contacts can also help streamline the process and achieve effective outcomes.

What is the difference between Investigator vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectInvestigatorForensic Scientist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; law enforcement training or certifications often preferredBachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or related field; certifications may enhance prospects
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, crime scenes, investigationsLaboratories, crime labs, research facilities
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, federal agencies, private investigation firmsCrime labs, forensic laboratories, research institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding investigative roles in law enforcementUnderstanding scientific analysis in forensic work

Investigators focus on gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and solving cases in the field, often working directly at crime scenes. Forensic scientists analyze physical evidence in labs to support investigations. Both roles are essential in criminal justice but differ in their work environment, credentials, and daily tasks.

What are some investigator jobs?

Investigator jobs include roles such as criminal investigators, private investigators, insurance investigators, and corporate investigators. These positions involve gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and analyzing information to solve cases or resolve disputes, often requiring knowledge of legal procedures and investigative tools.
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The most popular types of Investigator jobs are:

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What states have the most Investigator jobs?

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The top searched job categories for Investigator jobs are:

Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Private Investigator

Digistream Investigations

HI • Remote

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Job description


DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing national private investigations firm, seeks a talented addition to our investigative team on the O'ahu island. We are looking for an independent, motivated individual who wants to get started in the world of Private Investigations!

We are looking for a talented and trustworthy individual to work these cases independently, and to continue the fast growth of DigiStream's innovative investigative services on the Hawaiian Islands.

Must be available to travel to other Hawaiian Islands.

*All travel expenses will be paid!*

Job Summary: 

Under general supervision, the Surveillance Investigator investigates suspicious workers’ compensation claims from various corporate and public-sector clients.  The job duties include monitoring and videotaping various individuals as they conduct their normal day-to-day activities as well as completing detailed reports.  

The position is both journalistic and investigative and centers around obtaining quality video footage and detailed report rendering on the activities captured by the investigator. This job requires knowledge of privacy guidelines and government rules and regulations while operating a motor vehicle.  

Compensation/benefits:

  • Starting pay: $24 per hour 
  • Monthly Rent Stipend: $300 
  • Employee Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k) with up to 4% company match
  • Performance incentives
  • Paid travel to and from local and remote assignments
  • Cellphone reimbursement
  • Equipment provided including video camera, laptop, tripod, fuel & maintenance card
  • Company-provided surveillance vehicle

What you’ll get:

  • A foot in the door to the investigations/security/law enforcement fields
  • Experience conducting covert investigations
  • A job you’ll love going to - no one day is the same
  • Opportunities for growth within the company via our Surveillance Investigator Promotion Track
  • Unlike most PI companies, DigiStream provides full benefits, a company vehicle and paid travel
  • Professional, hands-on training program developed over the course of 20 years
  • Team-building events and comradery with fellow team members
  • The skills you learn here can lead to jobs in FBI / law enforcement, ATF / US border patrol / state crime lab, law / paralegal / legal assistant, security / corporate investigations, investigative journalism

What a day in the life of an investigator looks like:

  • Monitoring, following, and videotaping subjects as they conduct their day-to-day activities
  • Vehicle and foot pursuit of subjects while maintaining cover
  • Activity varies from filming someone at a grocery store or restaurant, to filming them at a sporting event or casino
  • Crafting pre-surveillance strategies based on the setup location and case details
  • Detailed report writing on the activities observed/captured and submission of video evidence
  • Regular communication with team leader on setup positions, activity and tactics

View our Recruitment Trailer: https://youtu.be/4F4eCJ0OQys

What you’ll need to apply:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Must be 21 years or older
  • 40-50 hours per week on average (includes commute & drive time)
  • Willingness to travel and stay overnight on remote assignments 
  • Availability to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays
  • Ability to start work as early as 5:00 am daily with occasional work into the evenings
  • Must currently live on the O'ahu Island. 
  • Ability to pass DMV check & background check
  • Confident driving skills

Note: Position does not require daily commute to an office or motor pool as your surveillance vehicle is entrusted to you and is kept at your residence on a daily basis. Travel to and from assignments will begin and end at your residence. No cost to you – any expenses incurred while on the job will be 100% reimbursed

**Only apply if you have availability to work any of the 7 days of the week, and only if you can work a 5 day per week schedule with an average of 10-12 hours per day, including weekends and holidays**