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Skip Tracing Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

UK Data Analyst

Sartell, MN · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

This role supports UK inventory management through placement and recall processes, skip tracing strategies, recurring operational reporting, process validation, and analytical projects designed to ...

This role supports UK inventory management through placement and recall processes, skip tracing strategies, recurring operational reporting, process validation, and analytical projects designed to ...

New

UK Data Analyst

Sartell, MN · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

This role supports UK inventory management through placement and recall processes, skip tracing strategies, recurring operational reporting, process validation, and analytical projects designed to ...

Perform skip tracing activities to locate relevant contacts and information. * Accurately document all account activity and collection efforts. * Meet daily productivity and collection goals.

Perform skip tracing activities to locate relevant contacts and information. * Accurately document all account activity and collection efforts. * Meet daily productivity and collection goals.

Ensure high quality standards by following all client-specific account handling instructions and treatment plans as outlined by customers and/or clients, procedures, skip tracing, quality assurance ...

Skip Tracing information

See Minnesota salary details

$13

$19

$24

How much do skip tracing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for skip tracing in Minnesota is $19.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is skip tracing?

Skip tracing is the process of locating a person's whereabouts for various purposes, such as collecting debts, serving legal documents, or finding missing persons. Professionals known as skip tracers use a combination of public records, databases, social media, and investigative techniques to track down individuals who have 'skipped' town or are otherwise hard to find. Skip tracing is commonly used by debt collectors, private investigators, and law enforcement agencies. The process requires analytical skills and knowledge of privacy laws to ensure searches are conducted legally and ethically.

What are skip tracing jobs?

There are various positions within the skip tracing industry, and your responsibilities vary depending on the job and company. Private investigators, for example, work with individual clients on a variety of cases and use skip tracing to find information on people. Bail guarantors and bounty hunters investigate a disappearance with skip tracing to bring a fugitive in for a reward. Repossession agents and debt collectors are other positions that utilize skip tracing to regain financial losses, especially with banks and automobiles. Journalists may also practice skip tracing to locate a specific person relevant to the story they are writing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a skip tracer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Skip Tracer, you need strong investigative skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with legal compliance, often supported by relevant experience in collections or law enforcement. Proficiency in using specialized databases, online research tools, and skip tracing software is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and persistence are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure you can efficiently locate individuals while adhering to legal standards, maximizing recovery rates for clients.

What are some common challenges faced by skip tracers, and how can they overcome them?

Skip tracers often face challenges such as locating individuals who intentionally avoid detection, working with limited or outdated information, and navigating privacy laws. To overcome these obstacles, successful skip tracers use a combination of public records, social media research, and specialized databases. Staying up to date with legal and ethical standards, as well as developing strong analytical and communication skills, helps them efficiently track down hard-to-find subjects while maintaining compliance.

What is the difference between Skip Tracing vs Debt Collector?

AspectSkip TracingDebt Collector
Required CredentialsResearch skills, attention to detailCommunication skills, negotiation
Work EnvironmentInvestigative, office or fieldCollection agencies, call centers
Industry UsageFinancial, legal, lendingFinancial, lending, legal
Search & Comparison IntentLocating individualsRecovering debts

Skip Tracing involves locating individuals who are difficult to find, often using research and investigative techniques. Debt Collectors focus on recovering overdue payments through communication and negotiation. While both roles may work in financial sectors, skip tracers primarily locate individuals, whereas debt collectors seek repayment. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the industry.

Do skip tracers make good money?

Skip tracers can earn varying salaries depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. Entry-level positions may pay hourly wages or commissions, while experienced skip tracers with specialized skills can earn higher incomes, especially if working independently or in high-demand areas.

How to become a skip tracer?

To become a skip tracer, you typically need strong research and investigative skills, proficiency with databases and skip tracing tools, and knowledge of legal and privacy regulations. Many skip tracers gain experience in collections, law enforcement, or private investigation, and some pursue certifications such as the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Private Investigator license where required. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma or equivalent, with advanced roles favoring relevant experience and technical skills.

Is a skip tracer a real job?

Yes, a skip tracer is a real job that involves locating individuals who have skipped or disappeared, often for debt collection, legal cases, or investigative purposes. The role typically requires research skills, knowledge of public records, and sometimes specialized tools or databases.

What are the most commonly searched types of Skip Tracing jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Skip Tracing jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Skip Tracing jobs in Minnesota?

For Skip Tracing jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Skip Tracing jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Skip Tracing job openings:

Infographic showing various Skip Tracing job openings in Minnesota as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,128 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Investigative Research Specialist (Skip Tracing)

Plymouth, MN • On-site

MESSERLI KRAMER P.A.
51 - 200 employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

***$500 Sign-on Bonus After Successfully Completing 90 Days***


Do you love solving puzzles and finding answers others can't?

We're looking for a FULL TIME Investigative Research Specialist (Skip Tracer) to join our team in Plymouth, MN, who enjoys digging through information, connecting the dots, and solving challenging cases. No prior skip tracing experience is required—we provide comprehensive training. If you're naturally curious, detail-oriented, and enjoy researching information across multiple databases, we'd love to meet you. As a Investigative Research Specialist (Skip Tracer) you'll use research, public records, and specialized databases to locate individuals, verify employment, and uncover information that helps move legal cases forward. If you enjoy connecting the dots, thinking critically, and finding answers others can't, this could be the perfect career for you.


About us:

As the Collection Division of Messerli Kramer, located in Plymouth, Minnesota, we are one of most respected law firms in the legal debt collections industry. Practicing in nine states and supported by nearly 290 employees within our division, we are a leader in our field and large by industry standards. As a well-established firm, we have built a reputation for consistency, reliability, and long-term client partnerships—making us a stable, long-term employer. Our approach is rooted in treating consumers with respect and dignity, working collaboratively to find realistic solutions that help them resolve debt and move forward, while still achieving successful outcomes for our clients. This people-first philosophy is a core part of our culture and something we are proud to stand behind.


You'll probably love this job if you...

  • Love solving mysteries or puzzles.
  • Enjoy researching answers online.
  • Like working independently.
  • Notice details others miss.
  • Enjoy learning new software.
  • Feel accomplished when you finally find the answer.
  • Enjoy heads-down computer work, low phone usage and minimal direct consumer contact.

This isn't the job for you if you...

  • Become frustrated when answers aren't immediately available.
  • Dislike learning new computer systems.
  • Prefer minimal research or investigation.

Essential Functions and Duties:

  • Research, identify and locate asset and demographic information on a given consumer
  • Communicate and work with applicable parties on consumer files

Benefits & Perks Include:

  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • HSA & FSA Accounts
  • 401K, with 4% company contribution (after 1 year of service)
  • Paid time off (17 days per year)
  • Paid holidays off (7 days per year + a floating holiday)
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Building amenities include: Free parking, onsite restaurant, & onsite free gym

Compensation details: 17.5-17.5 Hourly Wage


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