ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Private Investigator Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Endictus Corp

Surveillance Investigator

Tampa, FL · On-site

$72K - $105K/yr

... private investigative or surveillance activities in the jurisdictions where they are assigned. Employment Contingency This position is contingent upon contract award. Any employment offer ...

Posted today

ATD Technology LLC

EEO Investigator

New York, NY · On-site

$69 - $71/hr

ATD is a full service provider with offerings in Contract, Permanent and Temp-to-Perm staffing ... We serve Fortune 1000, mid cap and small cap companies in the Commercial, Private, Public and ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All Jobsfreelance JobsLegal JobsInvestigator JobsPrivate Detective JobsPrivate Investigator Contract Jobs

Private Investigator Contract information

See salary details

$15

$26

$57

How much do private investigator contract jobs pay per hour?

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

A Private Investigator Contract is a legal agreement between a client and a licensed private investigator outlining the scope of investigative services to be provided. It details important aspects such as the nature of the investigation, fees, confidentiality terms, deliverables, and the responsibilities of both parties. This contract helps protect both the investigator and the client by setting clear expectations and ensuring compliance with state and local laws. Having a well-drafted contract is essential for transparency, professionalism, and legal protection in private investigation work.

What are private investigator contract jobs?

Private investigator contract jobs involve providing investigative services to different clients on a freelance basis. Your responsibilities depend on the details of each assignment. As part of your duties, you might conduct background checks, investigate instances of suspected fraud, collect intelligence about a person or organization for your client, or handle other investigative responsibilities. Some private investigators obtain information for lawyers to help with civil or criminal litigation. Your job may also involve conducting surveillance, interviewing witnesses, or performing research using public records and legal documents. As a contractor, you can work with one client at a time or handle several cases at once.

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

To thrive as a Private Investigator (Contract), you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, investigative experience, and typically a relevant license or certification. Familiarity with surveillance equipment, database research tools, and reporting software is commonly required. Discretion, persistence, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for gathering accurate information, maintaining client confidentiality, and producing actionable investigative results.

What are some common challenges private investigators face when working on a contract basis?

Private investigators working on a contract basis often encounter challenges such as managing fluctuating workloads, ensuring client confidentiality, and navigating diverse case types with varying legal requirements. Balancing multiple clients and tight deadlines can be demanding, especially when cases require extensive surveillance or travel. Additionally, contract PIs must be proactive in networking and marketing to maintain a steady flow of assignments, and they frequently collaborate with attorneys, law enforcement, or other investigators depending on the nature of each case.

What is the difference between Private Investigator Contract vs Private Investigator Employee?

AspectPrivate Investigator ContractPrivate Investigator Employee
CredentialsLicensing, background checks, certificationsSame as contract, often with additional employment requirements
Work EnvironmentIndependent, freelance, or agency-basedEmployed by a company or agency, regular hours
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by private investigation firms, legal, insuranceEmployed by firms, law enforcement, or agencies
Search & Comparison IntentContract work, freelance investigationsFull-time employment, career path

In summary, a Private Investigator Contract works independently or through agencies, offering flexible, project-based work, while a Private Investigator Employee is hired full-time by an employer, with more structured hours and benefits. Both roles require similar credentials and operate within the private investigation industry.

More about Private Investigator Contract jobs

What cities are hiring for Private Investigator Contract jobs?

Cities with the most Private Investigator Contract 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 Private Investigator Contract jobs?

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

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

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

Private Investigator Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Investigator Contract job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,726 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Senior Security Investigator

Northwell

New Hyde Park, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Participates in the planning, organizing and coordinating matters pertaining to the security and safety of the health system's entities, people, and property. Conducts and collaborates with confidential and sensitive investigations, including field surveillance, and collection and cataloging of evidence. Provides executive protection and transportation, as needed; participates in security training functions, as necessary. 

Job Responsibility

  • Conducts internal and external investigations for fraud or criminal activity against the company resulting in loss of assets, records or property.
  • Investigates and addresses threats made against employees, patients and visitors.
  • Investigations may include, but are not limited to Medicare fraud, financial crimes, internal thefts, identity theft, drug diversions, prescription fraud, or crimes against employees or organization guests.
  • Performs surveillance of sites and suspects to obtain evidences, establish probable cause or link multiple suspects to probable fraud or criminal activity.
  • Collaborates with local law enforcement on investigations.
  • Collects and catalogs physical evidence maintaining chain of custody, when applicable; testifies in court, if necessary.
  • Participates in the coordination of overall security and protection to people, facilities, and property in the organization.
  • Performs field surveillance and assists with maintenance of security systems.
  • Protects and transports Senior Leadership, as needed; may be called to assist in handling any organization emergency.
  • Participates in security training functions, as necessary; carries a firearm, as directed.
  • Performs related duties as required. All responsibilities noted here are considered essential functions of the job under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Duties not mentioned here, but considered related are not essential functions.

Job Qualification

  • Associate's Degree required, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
  • NYS Armed Security Guard license AND NYS Pistol Permit (in geographical area of employment and residence), required. OR NYS Private Investigator License AND NYS Pistol Permit (in geographical area of employment and residence), required. OR Active NYS Police Officer Certification, required.

  • Minimum of five (5) years Armed Security Guard OR NYS Police Officer OR NYS Private Investigator experience (in good standing), required.


 

*Additional Salary Detail 
The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future.When determining a team member's base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, negotiated contracts, budget and internal equity).

Apply