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Private Investigators Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Investigator

San Bernardino, CA · 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 ...

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 ...

Investigator

San Bernardino, CA · 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 ...

Surveillance Investigator

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $27.75/hr

Investigators will be required to document all findings into a clear and concise report, obtain ... A private investigator * Law enforcement * Loss prevention * Process Server * Security * Honorably ...

Entry-Level Investigator

Riverside, CA

$48K - $59K/yr

Have you ever thought about becoming a Private Investigator? Are you ready to kick-start your career in a rapidly growing industry? Want to get paid to learn how to investigate fraud and conduct ...

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Private Investigators information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$16

$27

$59

How much do private investigators jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for private investigators in Riverside, CA is $27.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $28.61 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 job categories do people searching Private Investigators jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Private Investigators jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Private Investigators jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Private Investigators job openings:

Infographic showing various Private Investigators job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,138 per year, or $28 per hour.

Private Investigator - Company Vehicle Provided!

Highland, CA • On-site

PhotoFax
Investigation and Physical Security Services • 51 - 200 employees

$22 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Private Investigator - Company Vehicle Provided!
PhotoFax, Inc., a nationwide private detective agency, is currently hiring surveillance investigators to join our team in the San Bernardino/LA, CA 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)

View our recruiting video: https://vimeo.com/323925447/1451b7a16e
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 San Bernardino/LA, CA area
  • 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

Drivers License Reqired