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Private Investigator Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Surveillance Investigator

Manassas, VA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

... assist with the administration of an insurance claim. * Pay Rate: $21 - $23 / hr * Private Investigator's license required prior to applying. * Must possess a valid driver's license with at least one ...

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Showing results 1-20

Private Investigator Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$33.3K

$78.4K

$136.3K

How much do private investigator assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for private investigator assistant in Reston, VA is $78,364.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a private investigator assistant?

Private Investigator Assistants are professionals who support licensed private investigators in gathering information, conducting research, and assisting with case management. Their duties may include background checks, surveillance, interviewing witnesses, and handling administrative tasks. They help ensure investigations run smoothly and efficiently, often working behind the scenes to organize evidence and follow leads. While they typically do not conduct independent investigations, their role is crucial in supporting the success of the overall investigative process.

How to become a private investigator assistant?

A private investigator assistant assists the private investigator (PI) with administrative tasks, which may include handling calls from clients, organizing records for files being used by the detective, and following up on leads. To pursue a career as a private investigator assistant, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, though some employers may prefer candidates with some post-secondary education or experience working in administrative positions.

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

To thrive as a Private Investigator Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and often a background in criminal justice or related education. Familiarity with investigative software, databases, public records systems, and sometimes surveillance equipment is typically required. Discretion, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling sensitive information and supporting investigations. These abilities ensure accurate data collection, ethical conduct, and reliable assistance to lead investigators in complex cases.

What are some common challenges faced by private investigator assistants when gathering information for investigations?

Private Investigator Assistants often encounter challenges such as locating hard-to-find information, dealing with uncooperative witnesses, and ensuring all findings are collected legally and ethically. They must be detail-oriented and persistent, as investigations can involve sifting through large amounts of data or public records. Additionally, maintaining confidentiality and adapting to rapidly changing case priorities are essential skills, as tasks can shift quickly depending on the investigation's direction.

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

AspectPrivate Investigator AssistantPrivate Investigator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, sometimes relevant courseworkHigh school diploma, often additional certifications or licenses
Work EnvironmentOffice, fieldwork assisting investigationsPrimarily fieldwork, conducting investigations
Employer & Industry UsageInvestigative agencies, law firms, security firmsInvestigative agencies, law enforcement support
Common Search & ComparisonAssisting roles, entry-level investigative supportLead investigative roles, conducting investigations

The main difference is that a Private Investigator Assistant supports and assists private investigators, often in entry-level roles, with tasks like gathering information and administrative work. Private Investigators, on the other hand, conduct investigations independently, often requiring additional certifications and experience. Both roles are essential in the investigative industry, but the Assistant position typically serves as a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed Private Investigator.

More about Private Investigator Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Private Investigator jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Private Investigator jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Private Investigator Assistant jobs in Reston, VA?

For Private Investigator Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Private Investigator Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Private Investigator Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Private Investigator Assistant jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Private Investigator Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Private Investigator Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,364 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Investigator (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory - External

Attorney | ICE

Washington, DC

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

The Investigator position within ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) involves conducting administrative investigations at detention facilities, including health care complaints, morbidity/mortality incidents, and staff misconduct. Requires a clinical license, investigative skills, knowledge of ICE standards, and travel.
This position is only open to current USPHS officers.
USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates are not eligible for this position.

Qualifications:PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  1. May be exposed to stressful situations while completing assignments.
  2. Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time (6-10 Hours).
  3. Lifting and carrying: investigative equipment (e.g., laptop computer, portable printer, office supplies and documents), personal luggage, patients with assistance.
  4. Average manual dexterity for computer operation.
  5. Phone use for extended periods of time.
  6. Must be able to wear N-95 respirators.
  7. Required to perform CPR standing or kneeling.
Education:REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  1. Current unrestricted license to practice in any U.S. State or Territory in one of the following professional categories: Registered Nurse, Advanced Practice Nurse, Physician Assistant, Behavioral Health Professional, Pharmacist, Dentist, Dental Hygienist, and/or Physician.
  2. Qualifying degree for the officer's category plus a minimum of five years of professional experience relevant to the officer's category. Of the total professional experience, officer must possess at least two years of experience satisfactorily performing duties of a licensed health care professional in a detention/correctional facility.
  3. At least two years of supervisory experience or experience related to management or administration of public health programs is preferred.
  4. Applicant must meet qualifications for the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) Management Inquiry Training within one year of hiring. Requirements include:
    1. GS 13, or PHS LCDR, or above;
    2. Minimum six years' experience in an ICE office, or at the unit chief's discretion;
    3. No recent or pending disciplinary action;
    4. Working knowledge of ICE rules, regulations, and policies; and
    5. Must receive a favorable adjudication on a Tier 4 background investigation.
  5. Valid driver's license and be willing to travel, by agency-directed means, up to twice per month, for 1 - 7 days per trip, with little or no advanced notice.
  6. Knowledge of investigative resources, investigative principles and techniques, evidence collection and interviewing techniques, investigative report writing, agency writing style, patient safety and medical quality management principles and techniques, and health care risk management principles and techniques.
  7. Knowledge of ICE Detention Standards, American Correctional Association Standards, National Commission on Correctional Health Care Standards, generally applicable health care standards, laws, and regulations, and professional practice standards, laws, and regulations.
  8. Knowledge of IHSC, ICE, and PHS rules, regulations, and policies.
  9. Proficiency with computer applications used in general office settings, e.g., Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and SharePoint.
  10. If the incumbent holds a clinical license, it is the responsibility of the incumbent to fulfill the obligation(s) of their licensing or certifying body to maintain currency. This position may be required to perform clinical activities with the scope of clinical license in times of critical needs within the agency.
Employment Type: OTHER