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Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Austin, TX · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

LJK Investigations, a leading investigation firm in Austin, TX is seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Private Investigator to join their team. The Criminal Defense Private Investigator will be ...

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Boston, MA · On-site

$23.25 - $28.75/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.

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Columbia, SC

$20 - $24.50/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

Ballwin, MO · 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.

APEX Investigation

Surveillance Investigator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$60K - $74K/yr

About Us APEX Investigation ® is a trusted leader in Insurance, Workers' Compensation, Liability, and Human Resource Investigations. For over 40 years, APEX has stood firm in its dedication to ...

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Investigator information

See salary details

$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 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.

What is the job of an investigator?

An investigator is responsible for gathering facts, evidence, and information related to specific cases or issues, often conducting interviews, surveillance, and research. They analyze data to solve crimes, disputes, or compliance violations and may work in law enforcement, private investigation, or corporate security, often requiring attention to detail and knowledge of legal procedures.

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.

What kind of investigator makes the most money?

Private investigators with specialized skills such as cybercrime, corporate, or forensic investigation tend to earn higher salaries due to the complexity and demand of their work. Additionally, investigators with advanced certifications, experience, and the ability to operate in high-stakes environments often command higher pay. Salaries can vary based on industry, location, and level of expertise.

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 careers are in investigative?

Careers in investigative work include roles such as private investigators, law enforcement officers, criminal investigators, and corporate security specialists. These jobs typically require strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and often involve using tools like surveillance equipment and interview techniques. Certifications and background checks are common requirements in this field.

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 jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

Investigator roles typically do not reach $1,000,000 annually; high earnings in investigative fields are usually associated with senior positions, private investigators with specialized skills, or those working in high-stakes environments like corporate security or intelligence. Most investigators earn significantly less, with top earners supplementing income through consulting, royalties, or other business ventures.
More about Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Investigator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Investigator jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Investigator jobs? The top employers for Investigator jobs are:
What states have the most Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Investigator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Investigator jobs look for? 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.
Private Investigator

Private Investigator

Digistream Investigations

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, seeks a talented addition to our investigation team in the Sacramento, CA Region.
This isn’t your average desk job - being a Private Investigator means you’ll have a career with excitement, travel, autonomy, and purpose. This role is meant for an individual with an adventurous and curious spirit, and the drive to provide our clients with the evidence they need to defend their cases for potentially fraudulent worker's compensation claims.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40-55 hours per week average, 10-11 hours per day average, depending on travel distance to the case and back to your home (commute time in the company vehicle is "on the clock")
Starting Hourly Pay Rate: $20 hourly (entry-level), frequent overtime
Employee Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance offered, and 401(k) retirement plan with 4% Company Match offered


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 Private 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 25 years
  • Team-building events and comradery with fellow team members

Sky is the limit! 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 a 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

What you’ll need to apply:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Must be 21 years or older
  • 50 hours per week on average (includes commute & drive time)
  • Willingness to travel and stay overnight on remote assignments (as needed)
  • 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 in the Sacramento, CA area
  • Ability to pass DMV check & background check
  • Confident driving skills

Compensation/benefits/promotions:

  • Starting pay: $20.00 per hour
  • 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
  • We hire at the entry level and promote from within based on performance

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.

**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**