1

Private Sector Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 41-60

Private Sector Investigator information

See salary details

$15

$26

$57

How much do private sector investigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 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 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 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 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, 74% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,726 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Criminal Investigator

Washington, DC • On-site

$61K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

This vacancy is for a GS-1811-9/11, Criminal Investigator located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, COAST GUARD INVESTIGATIVE SERVICE -CG-CGIS.
This is a re-announcement to Job Announcement Number 26-13026448-HQ-EP-DE. You MUST reapply to be considered for this position.

Qualifications:Basic Requirements: Individual Occupational Requirements/Medical RequirementsThe duties of positions in this series require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible, and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself, or others is disqualifying.AND

To qualify at the GS-9 grade level, your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 grade level in the federal or private sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis.

NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
Specialized experience may include the following:

  • Providing protective service operations and enforcing applicable Federal laws.
  • Planning minor investigations.
  • Applying criminal and civil investigation-related policies, concepts, and principles.
  • Conducting minor investigations.

NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.
OR

To qualify at the GS-11 grade level, your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level in the federal or private sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis.

NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
Specialized experience may include the following:

  • Performing undercover operations, surveillance, and search/seizure operations.
  • Presenting evidence which reconstructs events, sequences and time elements.
  • Respond to requests for investigative assistance from Coast Guard commands and other law enforcement authorities.
  • Assist U.S. Secret Service with protective assignments.

NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.Education:This position does not have a positive education requirement.
Employment Type: OTHER