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Private Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

CA · Remote

$20/hr

Under general supervision, the Private Investigator investigates suspicious workers' compensation claims from various corporate and public-sector clients. The job duties include monitoring and ...

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

NY · Remote

$19/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, is seeking a talented addition to our investigative team in the New York City region/Long Island region (multiple ...

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

CA · Remote

$20/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, seeks a talented addition to our investigation team in the Los Angeles, CA Region. This isn't your average desk job ...

PhotoFax

Private Investigator

Mcfarland, WI · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Private Investigator - Company Vehicle Provided! Performance bonus! $1500 Signing Bonus! PhotoFax, Inc., a nationwide private detective agency, is currently hiring surveillance investigators to join ...

J Holdings

Private Investigator

Houston, TX · On-site

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

As a Private Investigator you will have extensive scope of work for independent action and decision, in the performance of highly confidential and sensitive investigations into allegations of ...

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

HI · Remote

$24/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing national private investigations firm, seeks a talented addition to our investigative team on the O'ahu island. We are looking for an independent, motivated ...

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

GA · Remote

$17/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, is seeking a talented addition to our investigative team in the greater Atlanta region. This isn't a desk job - being a ...

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

NC · Remote

$17/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, is seeking a talented addition to our investigative team in the greater Raleigh/Greensboro regions (multiple locations)

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

CA · Remote

$20/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, is seeking a talented addition to our investigative team in the Inland Empire Region. This isn't a desk job - being a ...

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

SC · Remote

$17/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, is seeking a talented addition to our investigative team in the Greenville, SC/Columbia, SC regions (multiple hiring ...

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

PA · Remote

$19/hr

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, is seeking a talented addition to our investigative team in the Philadelphia and Allentown regions (multiple locations)

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

NY · Remote

$46K - $54K/yr

DigiStream Investigations seeks adaptable risk-takers and curious thrill-seekers who are restless in mundane jobs. Being a Private Eye isn't exactly like what you've seen on TV or in the movies. You ...

Digistream Investigations

Private Investigator

NY · Remote

$46K - $54K/yr

DigiStream Investigations seeks adaptable risk-takers and curious thrill-seekers who are restless in mundane jobs. Being a Private Eye isn't exactly like what you've seen on TV or in the movies. You ...

O'Connell and Associates, Inc

Be Seen First

DCJS Licensed Private Investigator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$22.75 - $29.25/hr

We are seeking a DCJS Licensed Private Investigator to conduct discreet surveillance and thoroughly document cases. This role primarily involves extensive fieldwork, operating mostly solo or within a ...

New

O'Connell and Associates, Inc

Be Seen First

DCJS Licensed Private Investigator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$22.75 - $29.25/hr

We are seeking a DCJS Licensed Private Investigator to conduct discreet surveillance and thoroughly document cases. This role primarily involves extensive fieldwork, operating mostly solo or within a ...

New

Bearden Intelligence, Inc.

Be Seen First

Licensed Private Investigator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Company Description Bearden Intelligence is a full-service private investigative agency serving law firms, corporations, insurance professionals, and private clients throughout Texas and nationwide.

O'Connell and Associates, Inc

Be Seen First

DCJS Licensed Private Investigator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$22.75 - $29.25/hr

We are seeking a DCJS Licensed Private Investigator to conduct discreet surveillance and thoroughly document cases. This role primarily involves extensive fieldwork, operating mostly solo or within a ...

New

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Private Investigator information

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How much do private investigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 private investigator?

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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Private Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Investigator 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.

Private Investigator

Digistream Investigations

CA • Remote

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description


Job Summary:

Under general supervision, the Private Investigator investigates suspicious workers’ compensation claims from various corporate and public-sector clients.  The job duties include monitoring and videotaping various individuals as they conduct their normal day-to-day activities as well as completing detailed reports.  

The position is both journalistic and investigative and centers around obtaining quality video footage and detailed report rendering on the activities captured by the investigator. This job requires knowledge of privacy guidelines and government rules and regulations while operating a motor vehicle.  

The Private Investigator must have great intuition and the ability to process many mitigating factors during the course of the investigation.  Decisions are expected to be made in an accurate and timely manner and in the best interest in preserving the confidentiality of the assignment in question.

Responsibilities:

 

- Obtain quality covert video surveillance to be used in litigation

- Prepare detailed written reports on subjects’ activities during the surveillance

- Use both surveillance and creative investigative tactics in order to obtain information that is not readily available

- Maintain prompt completion of all assignments and updating the Company’s web-access Portal with pertinent case information

- Maintain periodic phone/Text contact with an Operations Manager throughout each investigation and coordinate case logistics

- Ability to drive at least 8-10 hours a day due to the nature of surveillance investigations

- Employee will be paid for travel time and required to stay on their cases until at least the 10 hour mark

- Other duties as may be assigned from time to time

Requirements:

 

- Bachelor’s Degree or in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, or related field, or military experience is preferred

- Ability to work independently and to be flexible in changing work priorities

- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

- Excellent driving skills
 - Strong computer skills
 - Ability to pass DMV, pre-employment physical and background check
 - Ability to start work as early as 5:00am daily
 - Must be a morning person
 - Must be available to work weekends and some holidays
 - Must possess critical-thinking skills
 - Must be available to occasionally travel out of town for extended periods of time

Work Condition: 

- Sitting for extended periods of time

- Long-distance driving

- Maintaining a surveillance position in hot or cold environments

- Engaging in a lengthy foot surveillance

- Typing and viewing a laptop monitor

- Frequent use of camcorder 

Work Environment: 
 
 Work is performed in a mobile office environment, sometimes at uncomfortable and can be at unfavorable temperatures for extended period of time.