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Private Sector Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TRM Labs provides AI-powered intelligence solutions that help public and private sector agencies investigate and disrupt crime. TRM's platforms enable investigators to trace illicit activity, build ...

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Private Sector Investigator information

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$15

$26

$57

How much do private sector investigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for private sector 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 types of cases does a private sector investigator typically handle, and how do they collaborate with clients?

Private Sector Investigators often work on cases involving corporate fraud, intellectual property theft, background checks, insurance claims, and internal employee misconduct. They usually collaborate closely with clients—such as law firms, corporations, or private individuals—to understand case objectives and gather relevant information. Effective communication with clients is essential for setting expectations, providing updates, and clarifying findings. Investigators may also coordinate with legal teams, IT specialists, or law enforcement when necessary, depending on the complexity of the case.

What is a private sector investigator?

A Private Sector Investigator is a professional hired by individuals, businesses, or organizations to conduct investigations outside of government agencies. Their work can include background checks, fraud investigations, surveillance, locating missing persons, and gathering evidence for civil or criminal cases. They utilize a variety of methods, such as interviews, research, and fieldwork, to uncover facts and provide clients with unbiased information. Unlike police detectives, they do not have law enforcement powers but must operate within the law while investigating.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a private sector investigator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Private Sector Investigator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice or a related field, often supported by relevant licensure. Familiarity with investigative tools such as surveillance equipment, database research systems, and case management software is crucial. Discretion, critical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills for gathering information and conducting interviews. These competencies ensure thorough, lawful investigations and reliable reporting for clients in corporate or private environments.
More about Private Sector Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Private Sector Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Private Sector Investigator job openings:
What states have the most Private Sector Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Private Sector Investigator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Private Sector Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,726 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

$65K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

This position is located in the Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations. The Office of Inspector General is an independent office within EPA that helps the agency protect the environment in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. We consist of auditors, program analysts, investigators, and others with extensive expertise. Although we are a part of EPA, Congress provides us with our funding separate from the agency, to ensure our independence.Qualifications:

All applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal Service.

To qualify for the GS-09 grade level, you must meet one of the following requirements:
Specialized Experience
You may qualify for the GS-09 grade level, if you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the federal sector, or the equivalent in the private sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position your specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Identifying problems and recommending or implementing solutions; Analyzing financial, business, or government records to identify relevant information; Establishing work priorities and allocating resources; Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, regarding complex issues; Conducting research and presenting findings; and Participating in criminal, civil, or administrative investigations involving fraud, employee misconduct, contract or grant fraud, or program integrity.
OR
E
ducation
Successfully completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree, or two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.B. or J.D., if related to the position.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience
A combination of specialized experience and graduate-level education that, when combined, equals 100 percent of the qualification requirements for this grade level.
To qualify for the GS-11 grade level, you must meet one of the following requirements:
Specialized Experience
You may qualify for the GS-11 grade level, if you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the federal sector, or the equivalent in the private sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position your specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Planning, coordinating, and conducting criminal, civil, or administrative investigations; Analyzing allegations and determining investigative strategies; Preparing clear, concise investigative reports; Interpreting financial, business, and government records; Identifying fraud within government programs and operations; and Presenting investigative findings to supervisors, prosecutors, or other officials.
OR
Education
Successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.M., if related to the position.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience
A combination of specialized experience and graduate education that, when combined, equals 100 percent of the qualification requirements for this grade level.

To qualify for the GS-12 grade level:
Specialized Experience
You may qualify for the GS-12 grade level, if you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the federal sector, or the equivalent in the private sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position your specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Independently planning, organizing, coordinating, and conducting criminal, civil, or administrative investigations involving violations of laws, regulations, or policies; Assessing allegations and developing investigative plans; Collecting, analyzing, and evaluating evidence for evidentiary value; Interpreting complex financial, business, and government records to identify fraud or misconduct; Preparing clear, accurate, and legally sufficient investigative reports; Presenting investigative findings and recommendations to management, prosecutors, or other high-level officials; and Applying Federal criminal investigative laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to resolve complex investigative matters.?

Evidence of the above specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience or based on job titles alone. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Applicants must meet the qualifications for this position within thirty (30) days of the closing date of this announcement.
Law Enforcement Officer (LEO): This position is covered by the special retirement provisions for Law Enforcement Officer (LEO). Candidates without previous LEO service must be under age 37. Employees subject to special retirement coverage for law enforcement officers must retire at age 57 upon completing 20 years of law enforcement service under the special retirement provisions for law enforcement officers. If these 20 years of service are not attained at age 57, mandatory retirement is required upon completion of 20 years of service. This age restriction does not apply to those who have previously served in a Federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. Section 8336 (c) provisions and preference eligible veterans.

This position is covered by Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP). An additional compensation rate of 25% (subject to statutory limitations) will be added to the locality salary.

Education:ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-andpolicy/college-accreditation.Employment Type: OTHER