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Private Investigators Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

PhotoFax

Private Investigator

Mcfarland, WI · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

PhotoFax, Inc., a nationwide private detective agency, is currently hiring surveillance investigators to join our team in the greater Madison, WI region. If you like to work autonomously in dynamic ...

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Fond Du Lac, WI · On-site

$25 - $35/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

Madison, WI

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

Milwaukee, WI

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 ...

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All JobsPrivate Investigators JobsPrivate Investigators Jobs in Wisconsin

Private Investigators information

See Wisconsin salary details

$15

$27

$57

How much do private investigators jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for private investigators in Wisconsin is $27.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $27.64 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 Wisconsin?

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

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

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

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Private Investigators jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Private Investigators job openings:

Private Investigators jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Investigators job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,248 per year, or $27 per hour.

Private Investigator

PhotoFax

Mcfarland, WI • On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Private Investigator - Company Vehicle Provided! Performance bonus!
$1500 Signing Bonus!
PhotoFax, Inc., a nationwide private detective agency, is currently hiring surveillance investigators to join our team in the greater Madison, WI region.
If you like to work autonomously in dynamic environments, surveillance investigations provide an exciting career path meant just for you! Join the PhotoFax team today and we provide the tools necessary to start your career as a Private Investigator.
What your day will look like:
  • Monitoring, pursuing, and documenting individuals in a covert manner from a company issued-fully customized surveillance vehicle
  • Pre and post surveillance briefing with your case manager to discuss objectives, surveillance tactics, and case details
  • Detailed reporting on daily case observations
  • Uploading video evidence obtained to the company database
  • Occasional Regional Travel (in the company issued vehicle)

What you will gain:
  • Experience that will lead to other opportunities in:
  • Investigations
  • Law enforcement
  • Upper claims management
  • Growth within PhotoFax
  • A company issued vehicle customized for surveillance and all equipment necessary to do the job
  • Hands on training with our experienced trainers with 34 years of investigative knowledge
  • Full health benefits package including matching 401K
  • Performance based reviews and bonuses
  • Paid overtime and travel

What you need to apply:
  • High school diploma
  • Associates/Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology/Law Enforcement preferred
  • Valid driver's license
  • Clean driving record with minimal infractions
  • Must currently reside in the greater Madison, WI region.
  • Flexibility to work any day of the week including weekends and holidays
  • Willingness to travel with occasional overnight stays
  • No previous experience is necessary; we provide all training and licensing.

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 - $27.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 - 50 per week
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Fuel card
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Weekends as needed

License/Certification:
  • Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Apply