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Part Time Private Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Private Investigator PT/SUB

Lake Oswego, OR ยท On-site

$23 - $29.25/hr

Private Investigator- PT PhotoFax, Inc., a nationwide private detective agency, is currently hiring ... Currently, we are only considering part-time experienced investigators! We are a great company to ...

Private Investigator- PT PhotoFax, Inc., a nationwide private detective agency, is currently hiring ... Currently, we are only considering part-time experienced investigators! We are a great company to ...

Private Investigator PT/SUB

Lake Oswego, OR ยท On-site

$23 - $29.25/hr

Private Investigator- PT PhotoFax, Inc., a nationwide private detective agency, is currently hiring ... Currently, we are only considering part-time experienced investigators! We are a great company to ...

Part Time SIU Investigator

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$30 - $35/hr

We are currently seeking a Part Time Private Investigator - Special Investigations (SIU) to join our growing team in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX . Candidates with at least five (5) years of investigations ...

Part-Time SIU Investigator

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

We are currently seeking a Part Time Private Investigator - Special Investigations (SIU) to join our growing team in Denver, CO . Candidates with at least five (5) years of investigations experience ...

Part-Time SIU Investigator

Columbia, SC ยท On-site

$25 - $35/hr

We are currently seeking a Part Time Private Investigator - Special Investigations (SIU) to join our growing team in Columbia, SC . Candidates with at least five (5) years of investigations ...

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Part Time Private Investigator information

See salary details

$15

$26

$57

How much do part time private investigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time private investigator in the United States is $26.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a part time private investigator?

Part time private investigators are professionals who conduct investigative work, such as surveillance, background checks, and gathering evidence, on a flexible or part-time schedule rather than full-time. They may work for private clients, law firms, businesses, or agencies, and their duties often include locating missing persons, verifying information, or uncovering fraud. This role requires strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work discreetly. Many part time private investigators are self-employed or work with agencies, and they typically need to meet state licensing requirements to operate legally.

What does a part time private investigator do?

As a part-time private investigator, your responsibilities mean you investigate suspicious activity and fraud using research, surveillance, and other technical skills. Because you work for private individuals, you can identify potential wrongdoing or suspicious behavior, but you have no right to arrest or prosecute someone because you do not work for the government. You might work for an individual or even a company, and each job requires you to perform different duties depending on the details of the case, the information needed, and the ultimate goal of the project. In some cases, you present your findings to a client or employer, and in other cases, you may present evidence in court.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time private investigator?

To thrive as a Part Time Private Investigator, you need strong observational abilities, analytical thinking, and a high school diploma or relevant investigative experience, with some roles requiring state licensure. Familiarity with investigative tools, surveillance equipment, and public records databases is typically necessary. Excellent communication, discretion, and persistence are vital soft skills for building rapport and conducting sensitive investigations. These skills and qualities are crucial for gathering accurate information while maintaining professionalism and legal compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by part time private investigators and how can they be managed?

Part-time private investigators often face challenges balancing flexible assignments with the unpredictability of casework, such as last-minute surveillance or client requests. Managing time efficiently, maintaining detailed records, and staying organized are crucial for success. Additionally, working part-time may mean handling caseloads independently or with limited team support, so strong self-motivation and communication skills are essential. Networking with other investigators and leveraging technology can help streamline case management and improve outcomes.

What is the difference between Part Time Private Investigator vs Part Time Security Guard?

AspectPart Time Private InvestigatorPart Time Security Guard
CredentialsLicensing, background checks, investigative trainingSecurity license, training in safety protocols
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, surveillance, background checksPatrols, access control, event security
Employer & IndustryPrivate investigation firms, legal, insuranceSecurity companies, retail, corporate

Part Time Private Investigators focus on investigations, surveillance, and gathering evidence, often requiring licensing and specialized training. In contrast, Part Time Security Guards primarily monitor premises, control access, and ensure safety, with security-specific certifications. Both roles operate in security-related environments but serve different functions within the industry.

What cities are hiring for Part Time Private Investigator jobs?

Cities with the most Part Time Private Investigator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Private Investigator jobs?

The most popular types of Private Investigator jobs are:

What states have the most Part Time Private Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Part Time Private Investigator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Part Time Private Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,726 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Private Investigator PT/SUB

PhotoFax

Lake Oswego, OR โ€ข On-site

$23 - $29.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Private Investigator- PT

PhotoFax, Inc., a nationwide private detective agency, is currently hiring experienced surveillance investigators for Sub-Contractor opportunities in the Portland, OR area.

  • Currently, we are only considering part-time experienced investigators! We are a great company to transition over to…you will love our culture!

If you like to work autonomously in dynamic environments, surveillance investigations provide an exciting career path meant just for you! Join the PhotoFax team today, and we provide the tools necessary to start your career as a Private Investigator.

What your day will look like:

  • Monitoring, pursuing, and documenting individuals in a covert manner. 
  • Pre and post surveillance briefing with your case manager to discuss objectives, surveillance tactics, and case details
  • Detailed reporting on daily case observations
  • Uploading video evidence obtained to the company database
  • Frequent Regional Travel 

What you need to apply:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Clean driving record with minimal infractions
  • Must currently reside in the greater Portland, OR area
  • Flexibility to work any day of the week including weekends and holidays
  • Willingness to travel with overnight stays
  • Private Investigator License for the state of OR (and setup to work as a 1099 contractor)
  • General liability insurance