ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Lancaster, PA · 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

$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.

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

CA · Remote

$20/hr

Under general supervision, the Private Investigator investigates suspicious workers' compensation claims from various corporate and public-sector clients. The job duties include monitoring and ...

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

NC · Remote

$17/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, is seeking a talented addition to our investigative team in the greater Raleigh/Greensboro regions (multiple locations)

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

GA · Remote

$17/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, is seeking a talented addition to our investigative team in the greater Atlanta region. This isn't a desk job - being a ...

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$22.25 - $27.25/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

Albany, NY · 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

Surveillance Investigator

Yonkers, NY · 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.

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

CA · Remote

$20/hr

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

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

Annapolis, MD · 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

Surveillance Investigator

Nashville, TN · 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.

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.

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsLegal JobsInvestigator Jobs

Investigator information

See salary details

$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 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.
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 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.

Surveillance Investigator

VRC Investigations

Yonkers, NY

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 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 $25 - $30 per hour.
For more information, please visit our web site located at https://vrcinvestigations.com/

Apply