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Private Investigator Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

First Financial

Mortgage Loan Officer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... private mortgage insurance companies, attorneys and other related entities to insure a competitive ... an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the ...

The Arc

Accountant

Huntsville, AL

$54K - $71K/yr

Reconcile general ledger accounts and investigate discrepancies Financial Reporting Support ... and private grant requirements, including allowable cost guidelines * Support grant audits and ...

The Arc of Madison County

Accountant

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Reconcile general ledger accounts and investigate discrepancies Financial Reporting Support ... and private grant requirements, including allowable cost guidelines * Support grant audits and ...

The Arc of Madison County

Accountant

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Reconcile general ledger accounts and investigate discrepancies Financial Reporting Support ... and private grant requirements, including allowable cost guidelines * Support grant audits and ...

DH Pace

Entry Door Technician

Madison, AL · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

The DH Pace Company is a family-owned and privately held business with annual sales over $1 billion ... an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the ...

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All JobsPrivate Investigator JobsPrivate Investigator Jobs in Decatur, AL

Private Investigator information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$14

$25

$53

How much do private investigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for private investigator in Decatur, AL is $25.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $25.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Private Investigator vs Security Guard?

AspectPrivate InvestigatorSecurity Guard
CredentialsLicensing, background checks, sometimes specialized trainingSecurity officer license, basic training
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, surveillance, background checksPatrols, access control, monitoring premises
Employer & IndustryPrivate firms, individuals, law firmsBusinesses, government agencies, private properties
Common Search & ComparisonInvestigative services, surveillanceSecurity services, patrols

While both roles involve security and safety, Private Investigators focus on investigations, surveillance, and gathering information, often requiring specialized licenses. Security Guards primarily monitor and protect property, providing a visible security presence. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their needs.

What are Private Investigators?

Private Investigators, often called PIs or private detectives, are professionals hired to gather information and conduct investigations on behalf of private clients, businesses, or attorneys. Their work may include surveillance, background checks, locating missing persons, or uncovering fraud. PIs often use a combination of research, interviews, and observation to collect evidence. They must follow the law and may need to be licensed, depending on the state or country. Private Investigators often work independently or for private investigation agencies.

What are some common challenges private investigators face when conducting surveillance, and how can they overcome them?

Private investigators often encounter challenges such as maintaining discretion, adapting to unpredictable situations, and dealing with uncooperative subjects during surveillance. Successfully overcoming these obstacles requires strong observational skills, patience, and the ability to quickly adjust strategies without drawing attention. Many investigators use advanced technology, like discreet cameras and GPS tracking, and work in teams to ensure continuous coverage while minimizing risk of detection. Collaboration with clients and legal professionals also helps in setting clear objectives and staying within legal boundaries during investigations.

Is becoming a pi worth it?

Becoming a private investigator can be a rewarding career for those interested in investigation, surveillance, and problem-solving. It often requires licensing, strong observational skills, and sometimes specialized training or certifications; the job can involve irregular hours and a range of cases. Whether it is worth it depends on personal interests and career goals, as the profession offers varied opportunities but also challenges.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

Private investigators typically do not earn $1,000,000 annually; high earnings are more common in executive, investment, or entrepreneurial roles. Some specialized or highly successful private investigators in high-stakes fields may reach high six-figure incomes, but million-dollar salaries are rare in this profession. Achieving such income levels generally requires extensive experience, a strong client base, or ownership of a large agency.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

A private investigator can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month through successful cases, especially if working independently or with a high volume of clients. Success depends on experience, reputation, and the complexity of investigations, with some investigators earning high income without formal degrees. Skills such as research, surveillance, and report writing are essential, and licensing requirements vary by location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Private Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Private Investigator, you generally need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice or a related field; licensure is often required by state law. Familiarity with surveillance equipment, databases, and investigative software is essential for conducting thorough investigations. Discretion, persistence, and strong communication skills help build trust with clients and gather accurate information. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring reliable, lawful, and effective investigations that meet client needs.

How much money do private investigators make?

Private investigators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, though earnings can vary based on experience, location, and specialization. Some private investigators working independently or with specialized skills can earn higher incomes, especially with a strong client base and effective marketing.

What Do Private Investigators Do?

Private Investigators are professionals who are hired, either by an individual or group, to investigate someone or something of legitimate interest to them. They are sometimes employed by individuals to explore suspicious activity by a family member or someone they know. Attorneys hire Private Investigators to gather information for their cases. Insurance companies often utilize Private Investigators to research claims and suspicions of fraud.

More about Private Investigator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Private Investigator jobs in Decatur, AL? For Private Investigator jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Private Investigator jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Private Investigator job openings:
Private Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Investigator job openings in Decatur, AL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 80% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,241 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
Supervisory Investigative Analyst

Supervisory Investigative Analyst

US Department of the Treasury

Huntsville, AL

$106K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

U.S. Department Of The Treasury rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 660 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

WHAT IS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION??
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions
  • Position(s) are to be filled in following area(s):
    • Criminal Investigation, Field Offices
REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the next lower level within the payband or GS grade in the normal line of progression in the Federal service that demonstrates the required managerial skills and technical competence required to perform the job. To be qualifying for this position your experience must include:

  • Experience that demonstrated management/leadership experience such as applying management techniques, methods, theories, principles, or labor relations concepts for the accomplishment of all program objectives with combined technical and administrative oversight. This experience may have been gained through work experience as a project/program manager, team lead or project/program lead, technical advisor, or senior specialist/analyst that included managing resources, providing support to managers, mentoring team members, providing day to day guidance training and/or oversight of peers or others.
  • Experience applying regulations, other official guidance and principles, including the latest procedures and techniques sufficient to oversee the planning, development and implementation of the technical aspects of programs specific to the position being filled.
  • Experience applying communicative techniques to effectively and diplomatically interact with internal and external customers.
  • Experience with criminal investigation techniques, methods, theories, principles and analytical processes to effectively and diplomatically interact and meet with the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Experience applying knowledge of Federal laws, statutes, and regulations relating to the enforcement mission of the Internal Revenue Service to recognize trends and identify areas of criminal noncompliance with
    federal and local laws.
  • Experience applying procedures and techniques used in investigative analysis as they relate to the Internal Revenue Service, particularly Criminal Investigation.


AND
You must also meet the following requirement(s):

  • TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT (TACA): By the closing date (or if this is an open continuous announcement, by the cut-off date) specified in this job announcement, current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment. For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens"
.For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Go to Understanding the IRS Paybands for GS/IR conversion.

Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

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