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Private Investigator Agency Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Established in 1972, our agency has built a longstanding reputation for thorough, ethical, and ... Prior experience in private investigations, law enforcement, military investigations, insurance ...

Private Investigator

Mcfarland, WI · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

PhotoFax, Inc., a nationwide private detective agency, is currently hiring surveillance investigators to join our team in the greater Madison, WI region. If you like to work autonomously in dynamic ...

Private Investigator PT/SUB

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$23 - $29.25/hr

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.

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.

Private Investigator PT/SUB

Lake Oswego, OR

$23 - $29.25/hr

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.

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Private Investigator Agency information

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How much do private investigator agency jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for private investigator agency 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 private investigator agency?

A Private Investigator Agency is a professional organization that offers investigative services to individuals, businesses, attorneys, and other entities. These agencies employ licensed private investigators to conduct surveillance, background checks, locate missing persons, gather evidence for legal cases, and perform other confidential investigations. Their work is often used in civil and criminal cases, insurance claims, and personal matters such as infidelity or child custody. Agencies must comply with state and federal regulations and maintain client confidentiality while conducting their investigations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a private investigator agency, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Private Investigator Agency, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in law enforcement or criminal justice, often supported by a private investigator license. Familiarity with surveillance equipment, databases, and investigative software is crucial for conducting thorough and legal investigations. Excellent communication, discretion, and perseverance help build trust with clients and effectively gather information. These skills ensure accurate, ethical investigations and help maintain the agency's reputation and client satisfaction.

What are some of the typical challenges private investigators face when gathering information for clients?

Private investigators often encounter challenges such as uncooperative witnesses, limited access to certain records, and the need to conduct surveillance discreetly and within legal boundaries. Balancing thoroughness with client deadlines can also be demanding, as investigations may require long hours and adaptability to changing circumstances. Additionally, maintaining confidentiality and staying updated on the latest investigative techniques and legal regulations are crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Private Investigator Agency vs Private Investigator?

AspectPrivate Investigator AgencyPrivate Investigator
CredentialsTypically employs licensed private investigators, may require agency licensingRequires individual licensing and certifications
Work EnvironmentOperates as a business, often with multiple investigatorsWorks independently or as part of an agency
Employer & Industry UsageEmploys private investigators, serves clients directlyProvides investigative services to clients, often hired by agencies or directly
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched together for agency vs individual rolesCommonly compared for licensing and job scope

The main difference is that a Private Investigator Agency is a business that employs licensed private investigators, while a Private Investigator is an individual professional providing investigative services. Agencies oversee multiple investigators and handle client cases collectively, whereas private investigators work independently or within an agency to conduct investigations. Both roles require licensing, but the agency structure involves additional business operations.

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What cities are hiring for Private Investigator Agency jobs?

Cities with the most Private Investigator Agency job openings:

What states have the most Private Investigator Agency jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Private Investigator Agency jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Private Investigator Agency jobs are:

Infographic showing various Private Investigator Agency job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 16% 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.

Licensed Private Investigator

Bearden Intelligence, Inc.

Dallas, TX • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

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Job description

Company Description

Bearden Intelligence is a full-service private investigative agency serving law firms, corporations, insurance professionals, and private clients throughout Texas and nationwide. Established in 1972, our agency has built a longstanding reputation for thorough, ethical, and discreet investigative work.

Our team handles a wide range of complex assignments, including surveillance, background and due diligence investigations, witness location and interviews, public records and database research, social media and digital footprint investigations, civil and criminal matters, and other litigation-support investigations.

We combine traditional investigative techniques with modern research tools and technology to develop accurate, well-documented information our clients can use.

Role Description

Bearden Intelligence is seeking full-time and part-time Investigators to join our Dallas-Fort Worth team. We are open to experienced investigators as well as candidates with strong investigative, legal, law enforcement, military, intelligence, or research backgrounds who have the skills and aptitude to succeed in private investigations.

This is an on-site and field-based position for individuals who are resourceful, detail-oriented, professional, and comfortable working independently. Both full-time and part-time opportunities are available, and scheduling may vary based on assignments and investigative needs.

Investigators will conduct a variety of assignments, including surveillance, background investigations, due diligence, witness location and interviews, database and public records research, and other investigative work in support of litigation and client matters.

This position requires more than simply gathering information. Our investigators must be able to evaluate what they find, recognize inconsistencies, identify additional avenues of investigation, document their work thoroughly, and communicate findings clearly and professionally.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct surveillance and other field investigations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area and, when necessary, other locations
  • Perform comprehensive background, due diligence, and public records investigations
  • Locate and assist with interviewing witnesses and other relevant individuals
  • Conduct database, online, social media, and open-source research
  • Review and analyze records, documents, photographs, video, and other investigative information
  • Identify additional investigative leads and pursue appropriate avenues of inquiry
  • Maintain detailed and accurate documentation of investigative activities
  • Prepare clear, professional written investigative reports
  • Communicate effectively with management, attorneys, clients, and other investigators
  • Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
  • Manage multiple assignments and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail

Qualifications

  • Strong investigative, research, and analytical skills
  • Excellent written communication and report-writing ability
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism
  • Ability to think critically and independently solve problems
  • Ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team
  • Comfortable learning and utilizing investigative databases, research platforms, and technology
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
  • Flexibility to work outside traditional business hours when assignments require it

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience in private investigations, law enforcement, military investigations, insurance investigations, legal support, intelligence, or a related field
  • Surveillance experience
  • Experience conducting background investigations, due diligence, or public records research
  • Familiarity with civil litigation, family law, or criminal matters
  • Experience preparing professional investigative or legal reports
  • Texas Private Investigator registration or eligibility to obtain registration
  • Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, Intelligence Studies, or a related field is preferred but not required

What We're Looking For

The right candidate is naturally curious and doesn't stop at the first answer. You should enjoy figuring things out, following leads, identifying connections, and finding information that isn't always easy to locate.

We're looking for people who take ownership of their assignments, understand the importance of accuracy and documentation, and can be trusted to represent Bearden Intelligence professionally in both the field and the office.

Whether you're looking for a full-time investigative career or a part-time opportunity to put your investigative skills to work, we're interested in candidates who can bring good judgment, initiative, professionalism, and a genuine investigative mindset to our team.

Company Description

Bearden Intelligence is a full-service private investigative agency providing professional investigative and intelligence services to law firms, corporations, insurance professionals, and private clients. Our work is primarily litigation-driven and includes surveillance, background and due diligence investigations, witness location and interviews, social media and digital footprint investigations, asset research, and other complex investigative assignments.

Our team combines traditional investigative methods with modern research technology to develop accurate, well-documented information that helps our clients make informed decisions. Because much of our work supports active or anticipated litigation, we place a strong emphasis on accuracy, discretion, thorough documentation, and professional reporting.

Bearden Intelligence operates in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where investigators and researchers are expected to think critically, follow the facts, and take ownership of their work. We value resourcefulness, attention to detail, good judgment, clear communication, and the ability to approach an assignment from more than one angle when the obvious answer isn't enough.

We are a growing agency and are looking for professionals who take pride in producing high-quality work and want to be part of a team where their individual contribution matters.