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Private Investigators Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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:

PhotoFax

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 ...

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 ...

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Bend, OR · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Private Investigator License: Active Private Investigator license or willingness to obtain one (where required by state).WORKING CONDITIONS:While we aim to keep assignments within a 2-hour drive of ...

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Bend, OR · On-site

Private Investigator License: Active Private Investigator license or willingness to obtain one (where required by state). WORKING CONDITIONS: * While we aim to keep assignments within a 2-hour drive ...

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Portland, OR · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Private Investigator License: Active Private Investigator license or willingness to obtain one (where required by state). WORKING CONDITIONS: * While we aim to keep assignments within a 2-hour drive ...

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Happy Valley, OR · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Private Investigator License: Active Private Investigator license or willingness to obtain one (where required by state).WORKING CONDITIONS:While we aim to keep assignments within a 2-hour drive of ...

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Happy Valley, OR · On-site

Private Investigator License: Active Private Investigator license or willingness to obtain one (where required by state). WORKING CONDITIONS: * While we aim to keep assignments within a 2-hour drive ...

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Bend, OR · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Private Investigator License: Active Private Investigator license or willingness to obtain one (where required by state). WORKING CONDITIONS: * While we aim to keep assignments within a 2-hour drive ...

Charles Taylor

$21.50 - $26.50/hr

No private investigator license is required--only a strong willingness to learn, develop new skills, and grow within a leading investigative firm. Immediate opportunities are available in the ...

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All JobsPrivate Investigators JobsPrivate Investigators Jobs in Oregon

Private Investigators information

See Oregon salary details

$16

$28

$60

How much do private investigators jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for private investigators in Oregon is $28.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $28.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 average, with opportunities often influenced by legal, corporate, and individual client needs, and requiring skills in research, observation, and sometimes licensing or certification.

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 investigators work independently or as part of agencies. Skills in surveillance, interviewing, and report writing are essential for higher earnings.

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 are popular job titles related to Private Investigators jobs in Oregon?

For Private Investigators jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Private Investigators jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Private Investigators jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Private Investigators jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Private Investigators job openings:

Private Investigators jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Investigators job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,919 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Private Investigator

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Salem, OR • On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development

Salary: $24-$27 per hour depending on experience and qualifications.
Paid vacation, paid sick and paid holidays.
Flexible work schedule.
Paid continued education and training.
Bilingual candidates encouraged. 
Job Description:
LJK Investigations, a leading investigation firm based in Salem, OR is seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Private Investigator to join their northern Oregon team out of Beaverton. The Criminal Defense Private Investigator will be responsible for conducting investigations related to criminal defense cases.
Interviews are conducted at our Salem office.
Responsibilities:
  • Conduct investigations related to criminal defense cases, including but not limited to witness interviews, crime scene investigations, and background checks
  • Analyze evidence and other materials to support criminal defense cases
  • Organize and maintain case files and evidence
  • Conduct surveillance on individuals or locations to gather information for a criminal defense case
  • Collect evidence such as taking photographs, videos, or audio recordings of individuals or locations, or collecting physical evidence such as fingerprints or DNA samples.
  • Interview witnesses and other individuals who may have information relevant to a criminal defense case
  • Research public records to gather information for a criminal defense case
  • Ensure that all investigations are conducted in accordance with legal and ethical standards
  • Provide clear and concise reports summarizing investigation findings
  • Testify in court as an expert witness to present findings and evidence
  • Manage and prioritize investigation assignments to meet deadlines
  • Use appropriate software and tools to increase efficiency and accuracy
  • Complete other administrative duties as assigned
Requirements:
  • Criminal defense investigations or Law Enforcement Preferred but not required
  • Strong knowledge of criminal defense laws and regulations
  • Excellent analytical skills with the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret complex information
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate and error-free work
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive information
The Criminal Defense Private Investigator role at LJK Investigations offers a competitive salary. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and challenging environment and will play a vital role in the success of the company. The role requires a high level of attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Daily responsibilities may include conducting surveillance, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, researching public records, writing reports, testifying in court, and maintaining confidentiality.