ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Missing Person Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alyeska Resort

Ski Patrol Level 2

Anchorage, AK

$24/hr

... avalanche and missing-person procedures, and Smartmountain. * Performs Aid Room duties ... Conducts incident investigations consistent with completed Phase I through Phase III qualifications ...

Sweetwater County

Patrol Deputy

Rock Springs, WY · On-site

$28.58 - $35.45/hr

Performs initial and follow-up investigations of crimes involving arson, adults and juveniles ... with missing person searchers; * May serve on tactical response team; Please read the full below.

Alyeska Resort

Ski Patrol Level 2

Girdwood, AK · On-site

$24/hr

... avalanche and missing-person procedures, and Smartmountain. * Performs Aid Room duties ... Conducts incident investigations consistent with completed Phase I through Phase III qualifications ...

Alyeska Resort

Ski Patrol Level 2

Girdwood, AK · On-site

$24/hr

... avalanche and missing-person procedures, and Smartmountain. * Performs Aid Room duties ... Conducts incident investigations consistent with completed Phase I through Phase III qualifications ...

Sweetwater County

Patrol Deputy

Rock Springs, WY · On-site

$28.58 - $35.45/hr

Performs initial and follow-up investigations of crimes involving arson, adults and juveniles ... assists with missing person searchers;May serve on tactical response team;Please read the full ...

City of St. Cloud, FL

Police Officer

Saint Cloud, FL · On-site

$27.82 - $39.66/hr

... missing person; gathers intelligence on known or suspected offenders; conducts interviews ... Investigations? 21 The next series of questions is for ALL applicants. 22 Are you currently ...

State of Montana

Criminal Investigator

Deer Lodge, MT · On-site

Applications missing required documentation may not be considered. Successful applicants will be ... Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) - Any person who has 1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison ...

State of Montana

Criminal Investigator

Deer Lodge, MT · On-site

Applications missing required documentation may not be considered. Successful applicants will be ... Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) - Any person who has 1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison ...

Montana

Criminal Investigator

Deer Lodge, MT · On-site

Applications missing required documentation may not be considered. Successful applicants will be ... Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) - Any person who has 1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison ...

State of Montana

Criminal Investigator

Deer Lodge, MT · On-site

Applications missing required documentation may not be considered. Successful applicants will be ... Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) - Any person who has 1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison ...

Colerain Township

Police Officer

Colerain Township, OH · On-site

$79K - $95K/yr

... missing person and missing child investigations in a complete and timely manner to ensure compliance with Department policy, state and federal law. • Thoroughly investigate traffic accidents ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLegal JobsInvestigator JobsMissing Person Investigator Jobs

Missing Person Investigator information

See salary details

$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do missing person investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for missing person 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 is a missing person investigator?

Missing Person Investigators are professionals who specialize in locating individuals who have disappeared or whose whereabouts are unknown. They may work for law enforcement agencies, private investigation firms, or independently. These investigators gather and analyze information, interview witnesses, follow leads, and collaborate with other agencies to find missing persons. Their work often involves reviewing records, conducting field searches, and utilizing various databases and resources. The goal is to locate missing individuals safely and efficiently, whether the disappearance is voluntary or involuntary.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a missing person investigator?

To thrive as a Missing Person Investigator, you need expertise in criminal investigation, interviewing techniques, and a strong understanding of relevant laws, often supported by law enforcement training or a degree in criminal justice. Familiarity with case management software, forensic analysis tools, and public records databases is typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, persistence, and effective communication skills help investigators build trust with families and coordinate with agencies. These skills and qualities are critical for efficiently locating missing individuals and ensuring thorough, collaborative investigations.

What are common challenges faced by missing person investigators during a case?

Missing Person Investigators often encounter challenges such as limited or conflicting information from witnesses, rapidly evolving situations, and the emotional distress of families involved. Cases can be time-sensitive, requiring investigators to prioritize leads and coordinate with multiple agencies, including local law enforcement, social services, and sometimes the media. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and resilience are crucial for navigating these obstacles and increasing the chances of a successful resolution.

What is the difference between Missing Person Investigator vs Private Investigator?

AspectMissing Person InvestigatorPrivate Investigator
CredentialsMay require law enforcement or investigative certifications, background checksOften requires licensing, background checks, and investigative training
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, private firms, or government agenciesPrivate offices, client locations, or on-site investigations
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement, government, private firmsPrivate clients, attorneys, businesses

Both roles involve investigative skills and may require similar certifications, but Missing Person Investigators focus specifically on locating missing individuals, often working within law enforcement or government settings. Private Investigators have broader investigative duties, including background checks and surveillance, serving private clients. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and client expectations in the investigative industry.

How much do missing person investigators make?

Missing person investigators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Salaries can vary based on law enforcement agencies, private investigation firms, and the complexity of cases handled.

Is tracking missing people a real job?

Yes, a Missing Person Investigator is a real profession that involves locating and recovering individuals who are reported missing. These investigators often work with law enforcement agencies, utilize investigative techniques, and may require specialized training or certifications. The role can involve surveillance, interviews, and analyzing data to find missing persons efficiently.

What does it take to become a missing person investigator?

A missing person investigator typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring a college degree in criminal justice or a related field. Relevant skills include investigative techniques, knowledge of law enforcement procedures, and proficiency with tools like databases and surveillance equipment; prior law enforcement or investigative experience is often preferred. Certifications such as a peace officer license or specialized training in search and rescue can enhance qualifications.
More about Missing Person Investigator jobs

What cities are hiring for Missing Person Investigator jobs?

Cities with the most Missing Person Investigator job openings:

What states have the most Missing Person Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Missing Person Investigator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Missing Person Investigator jobs?

For Missing Person Investigator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Missing Person Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Missing Person Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. 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.

NamUs Administrative Regional Liaison

Saint Augustine, FL • Remote

CES, LLC
See more jobs at CES, LLCexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description


 
Job Description Summary: 
CES is looking for a Regional System Administrator to support managing the NamUs program goals by assisting state and local law enforcement, medical examiners, coroners, allied professionals, and the general public with resolving missing and unidentified persons cases. The Regional System Administrator will be responsible for case intake, data quality, and direct support to agencies entering or managing missing and unidentified persons cases in NamUs across an assigned region. This position is contingent upon contract award. 
 
Duties/Responsibilities: 
  • Review and accept new missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases for publication in NamUs. 
  • Enter cases into NamUs when agencies request assistance. 
  • Communicate with investigating agencies and entering parties to confirm that case information is complete, appropriate, and accurate. 
  • Vet and publish case updates and modifications. 
  • Review investigative tips and leads and refer them to the investigating agency. 
  • Recommend case enhancements, including biometric and analytical services. 
  • Facilitate forensic and analytical services by connecting users with the appropriate forensic staff and supplying required paperwork. 
  • Vet professional user registrations, set coverage areas and application permissions, activate accounts, and process sponsorship renewals. 
  • Provide outreach and training to agencies and stakeholders in the assigned region on NamUs tools and resources. 
  • Support coordination and implementation of Missing Person Day events and other outreach opportunities. 
  • Maintain current knowledge of state reporting requirements, jurisdictional practices, and agency points of contact within the assigned region. 
  • Provide backup coverage for adjacent regions during planned and unplanned absences. 
  • Document case and user activity in program tracking systems and provide data for monthly, biannual, and annual reporting. 
  • Follow program standard operating procedures and safeguard personally identifiable information. 
 
Required qualifications/skills: 
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree. 
  • A minimum of 3 years experience in law enforcement, forensic science, or death investigation is preferred. 
  • Ability to communicate with law enforcement and medicolegal professionals and with family members of the missing. 
  • Experience handling sensitive and personally identifiable information. 
  • This is a full-time position. Work to be performed remote. 
 
Other:  
  • Occasional travel may be required.  
  • Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 
  • For more information about CES, please visit www.cesnb.com 
  • This opportunity is contingent upon contract award.