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State Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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State Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do state investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for state investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are State Investigators?

State Investigators are professionals employed by state agencies to conduct investigations related to regulatory compliance, criminal activity, or civil matters within their jurisdiction. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, prepare reports, and may testify in court or administrative hearings. Their work helps enforce state laws and regulations, and they often specialize in areas such as fraud, abuse, or public safety. State Investigators typically work closely with other law enforcement partners and government officials.

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

To thrive as a State Investigator, you need strong analytical abilities, investigative experience, and typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with case management software, evidence collection tools, and legal research databases is essential for conducting thorough investigations. Attention to detail, ethical judgment, and strong communication skills set top investigators apart when interviewing witnesses and preparing reports. These skills ensure the integrity, accuracy, and effectiveness of investigations that uphold public trust and legal standards.

What are some common challenges faced by State Investigators, and how can new hires prepare for them?

State Investigators often encounter challenges such as managing heavy caseloads, meeting strict deadlines, and handling sensitive information with discretion. New hires can prepare by developing strong organizational skills, learning investigative procedures, and familiarizing themselves with relevant state laws and regulations. Additionally, effective communication and the ability to work collaboratively with other agencies or departments are crucial for success in this role.
More about State Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for State Investigator jobs? Cities with the most State Investigator job openings:
What states have the most State Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for State Investigator jobs include:
Infographic showing various State Investigator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Full Time, 83% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.
Internal Investigator 1 OPWDD

Internal Investigator 1 OPWDD

New York State

Commack, NY

$71K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 177 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description Under the direction of a lead investigator, the Internal Investigator 1 OPWDD duties include but are not limited to: Formulate plan, process and timetables to conduct an accurate, complete and thorough investigation within OPWDD-specified timeframe. Prepare for and conduct interviews and obtain sworn statements on matters arising from investigations conducted, such as investigations of possible misconduct by agency employees. Gather, document and preserve information and evidence related to investigations to support the outcome of the investigations.

Write narrative reports to effectively communicate the results of investigations to appropriate parties. Work collaboratively with OPWDD facilities, programs and Office of Employee relations staff to ensure that investigations are completed in a fair and timely manner. Conduct investigations of alleged instances of abuse and neglect and other types of employee incompetency or misconduct in a confidential manner.

Interrogate state employees following stipulations of the collective bargaining agreements. Make recommendations to supervisor, Developmental Disabilities State Operations Office (DDSOO) and Office of Employee Relations staff regarding possible violations of OPWDD policy and procedure. Provide testimony at arbitration hearings to support the outcome of the investigation.

*Telecommuting to be discussed during interview LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nys-office-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities/posts/?feedView=all #LI-GM1 Minimum Qualifications Non-Competitive: Six years of field investigative or law enforcement investigative experience. "Investigative Experience" is defined as gathering and securing information and evidence from a variety of sources through independent, non-structured activities including but not limited to the following activities: interviewing and interrogating witnesses; collecting and analyzing data and evidence; writing and summarizing case narratives; and testifying at administrative hearings and criminal proceedings. Substitutions Include: An Associate's degree for two years of field investigative or law enforcement investigative experience; or two years of OPWDD experience for two years of field investigative or law enforcement investigative experience; or a Bachelor's degree for four years of field investigative or law enforcement investigative experience

Regardless of any substitution, all candidates must have a least two years of field investigative experience or law enforcement investigative experience. Types of Investigative Experience that could be considered Qualifying: Experience in such positions as: Police Detective; Insurance Investigator; Licensed and Registered Private Investigator; Federal Investigator; State Investigator; Municipal Investigator; Child Protective Services Investigator; Investigative position involving trial preparations and detailed reports; or Investigations within a branch of the Armed Services. Types of Non-Qualifying Investigative Experience includes by may not be limited to: Experience in: Routine Police Patrol Work; Security Guard or Related Security Position; Tax Collector; Collector of Delinquent Accounts; Credit Checker; Legal Assistant/Attorney; Hotel or store detective; Loss Prevention Officer; Parole Officer; Correction Officer/Guard; Fire and Safety inspector.

Experience in credit verification; auditing; employment interviewing; building surveillance; traffic enforcement; performing routine inspections or surveys will NOT be considered investigative experience. Additional Comments Please note that starting salary for this title reflects the Downstate adjustment. Posted Hiring Salary includes the sum of the statutory hiring rate for M/C Grade 18 ($67,119) and Downstate Adjustment ($4,000).

Downstate Adjustment is also added to the job rate ($83,286). Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures. If you are being impacted by closure, please indicate this on your resume.

All OPWDD employees must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Continued employment will depend on maintaining eligibility. If you are employed by state government you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentAid.gov/publicservice. Employees on long term leave can bid on positions but must be able to report to work within fourteen (14) days and be able to perform the essential functions of their positions with or without reasonable accommodation (RA)

If an employee or job applicant believes that they need a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the Reasonable Accommodation Unit at (518) 486-7222 or email accommodationrequests@opwdd.ny.gov to obtain information and RA forms. Savings programs such as the U.S. Savings Bond and the College Savings Plan

Voluntary pre-tax savings programs such as Health Care Spending Account and the Dependent Care Advantage Account offer employees options to pay for uncovered health care expenses or dependent care expenses. Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) an assessment and referral service that connects employees with local service providers and support services to address their personal needs. Life insurance and Disability insurance.

The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan is a voluntary retirement plan that offers employees the option to invest a part of their salaries for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. Paid Holidays and Leave: Thirteen (13) paid holidays each year. Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave initially.

Five (5) days paid personal leave each year. Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave each year (PEF/CSEA), which may carry over from year to year. Up to three (3) days professional leave each year to participate in professional development events.

Health Care Coverage: Employees and their eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Employees are provided family dental and vision plans at no extra cost. Paid Parental Leave: Paid Parental Leave allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for each qualifying event.

A qualifying event is defined as the birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care. Retirement Program: Participate in The NYS Employees' Retirement System (ERS), which is recognized as one of the best-managed and best-funded public retirement systems in the nation. Professional Development and Education and Training: NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance to eligible employees to maintain and increase their professional skills and prepare them for promotional opportunities.

For more information, please visit https://oer.ny.gov/training-and-professional-development. Additionally, the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offers certain professional training opportunities for PEF represented and M/C designated employees that may grant continuing education credits towards maintaining professional licensure. For more information, please visit https://oer.ny.gov/public-service-workshops-program-pswp

OPWDD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion. We believe that we are most effective in managing and improving our service system with a diverse team of employees. With such a large workforce, we rely on the collective individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, ideas and talent that our employees bring to their work.

This speaks to our culture and is a key part of our successes. As we continuously recruit people for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that applicants bring in terms of their education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran's status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs. ***All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.*** Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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