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Private Investigators Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Emerging Investigations

Private Investigator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$20.50 - $26.50/hr

The Private Investigator will be responsible for performing investigative tasks include surveillance in the realm of workers comp investigation, auto liability investigations and fraud investigations.

Emerging Investigations

Private Investigator

Bradenton, FL · On-site

$20.25 - $25.75/hr

The Private Investigator will be responsible for performing investigative tasks include surveillance in the realm of workers comp investigation, auto liability investigations and fraud investigations.

Emerging Investigations

Private Investigator

Orlando, FL · On-site

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

The Private Investigator will be responsible for performing investigative tasks include surveillance in the realm of workers comp investigation, auto liability investigations and fraud investigations.

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Austin, TX · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

The Criminal Defense Private Investigator will be responsible for conducting investigations related to criminal defense cases. Responsibilities: * Conduct investigations related to criminal & civil ...

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Salem, OR · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

The Criminal Defense Private Investigator will be responsible for conducting investigations related to criminal defense cases. Interviews are conducted at our Salem office. Responsibilities:

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Addison, TX · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

LJK Investigations, a leading investigation firm is seeking an experienced Private Investigator to join our team as a Remote Investigator for our Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX area. Responsibilities:

Lemieux & Associates LLC

Private Investigator

Houston, TX · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

We are seeking experienced SIU Field Investigators in Houston, TX and surrounding areas on a ... Must have SIU/Claims investigation experience as a Private Investigator or Fraud Investigator and ...

PhotoFax

Private Investigator PT/SUB

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Private Investigator- PT PhotoFax, Inc., a nationwide private detective agency, is currently hiring ... Currently, we are only considering part-time experienced investigators! We are a great company to ...

PhotoFax, Inc.

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 ... Currently, we are only considering part-time experienced investigators! We are a great company to ...

J Holdings

Private Investigator

Houston, TX

$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 ...

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How much do private investigators jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for private investigators 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.

How much money can you make as a private investigator?

Private investigators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, with experienced professionals or those working in specialized fields earning higher salaries. Income can vary based on location, experience, and the complexity of cases handled, and many private investigators work independently or as part of agencies, often requiring licensing and specific skills in surveillance and research.

What does a private investigator do exactly?

A private investigator conducts investigations to gather information, often related to legal, personal, or business matters. They may perform surveillance, interview witnesses, review records, and use specialized tools and techniques to collect evidence while adhering to legal standards.

What is the difference between Private Investigators vs Process Servers?

AspectPrivate InvestigatorsProcess Servers
CredentialsMay require licenses, certifications, or training in investigation techniquesOften need to be licensed; focus on legal process service
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, surveillance, interviews, and researchPrimarily fieldwork delivering legal documents
Employer & IndustryPrivate investigation firms, legal, insuranceLegal firms, courts, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentInvestigations, surveillance, background checksLegal document delivery, court filings

While both roles operate within the legal and investigative industries, Private Investigators focus on conducting investigations, surveillance, and research, often requiring specialized training and licenses. Process Servers specialize in delivering legal documents and ensuring legal procedures are followed. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the investigative and legal support fields.

Are private investigators in high demand?

Private investigators are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for surveillance, background checks, and fraud investigations. Employment growth is expected to be about average, but demand can vary by region and industry needs, often requiring specialized skills and licensing.
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Private Investigators jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Investigators job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,726 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Private Investigator

First Class Private Investigation

Dallas, TX • Remote

$22.75 - $29.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Salary: 20.00/hr

Private investigators play a vital role in gathering information about individuals and other entities as requested by clients. They may collect information through direct interviews, videography and photography, internet research, or other means. They may also present investigation results as evidence in court. As a private investigator, you will be responsible for conducting investigations, performing background checks, and researching legal, financial, and criminal information regarding persons or organizations of interest. A key element of this position is cooperating with clients and law enforcement officials to acquire necessary information. Success in this role will be demonstrated by delivering accurate information that furthers client goals.


Private Investigator Job Responsibilities and Duties

  • Reviews cases
  • Adheres to precautionary measures while conducting surveillance
  • Avoids conflicts when possible
  • Hosts debriefing consultations
  • Writes accurate and detailed reports
  • Acquires quality surveillance videos and photos
  • Performs undercover investigations
  • The Private Investigator:
    • Collects evidence, including tangible proof to use in court cases, civil hearings and other legal proceedings
    • Verifying information, such as individuals' addresses, phone numbers, employers and family members with public records
    • Performing in-depth research using online databases, like court proceedings and public records
    • Gathering and analyzing data, which includes deducing conclusions from evidence
    • Interviewing witnesses, experts and other relevant parties to gather testimonies, clues and other relevant information
    • Conducting surveillance, with the same authority as a private citizen rather than a law enforcement officer, to supplement the information they gather from research and interviews
    • Tracking suspects and witnesses, watching their homes or places of work while taking photos or video recordings to be used as evidence
    • Assisting in cases within legal limitations, such as refraining from impersonating law enforcement
    • Applying their comprehensive understanding of federal and local laws to ensure they act within the law limits

Private Investigator Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • At least 1 year of experience in a similar job
  • Strong ability to identify issues accurately and quickly
  • Excellent oral and written communication
  • Excellent organizational and observational skills
  • Outstanding levels of morality, integrity, and responsibility
  • Highly analytical
  • Willing to work holidays and weekends
  • Proficient with a digital camera