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Surveillance Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Toms River, NJ · On-site

$21 - $25.75/hr

The surveillance investigator position is a field based, hourly, and non-exempt position. This position requires daily travel within the designated city/territory in the advertised city and state.

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$21 - $25.75/hr

The surveillance investigator position is a field based, hourly, and non-exempt position. This position requires daily travel within the designated city/territory in the advertised city and state.

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Newark, NJ

$22.50 - $27.75/hr

The surveillance investigator position is a field based, hourly, and non-exempt position. This position requires daily travel within the designated city/territory in the advertised city and state.

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$21.25 - $26.25/hr

The surveillance investigator position is a field based, hourly, and non-exempt position. This position requires daily travel within the designated city/territory in the advertised city and state.

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Newark, NJ · On-site

$22.50 - $27.75/hr

The surveillance investigator position is a field based, hourly, and non-exempt position. This position requires daily travel within the designated city/territory in the advertised city and state.

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

The surveillance investigator position is a field based, hourly, and non-exempt position. This position requires daily travel within the designated city/territory in the advertised city and state.

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Surveillance Investigator information

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$15

$23

$29

How much do surveillance investigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for surveillance investigator in the United States is $23.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surveillance investigator?

A Surveillance Investigator is a professional who observes and monitors individuals or locations to gather information, often for legal, insurance, or corporate cases. They use various techniques, such as video recording, photography, and written reports, to document activities and behaviors. Surveillance Investigators often work for private investigation firms, insurance companies, or law enforcement agencies. Their work helps uncover fraud, verify claims, or provide evidence for court cases.

What does a surveillance investigator do?

A surveillance investigator gathers information about a person, or subject, at the center of an investigation. Surveillance investigators may work as a company employee or contractor and often use wiretaps, concealed cameras, and other surveillance tools to complete investigations. Common responsibilities in this role include conducting video surveillance, performing background checks, researching fraudulent activity, drafting reports about findings, and uploading evidence into a data management database.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surveillance investigator?

To thrive as a Surveillance Investigator, you need strong observational skills, attention to detail, and typically a background in criminal justice or related field. Familiarity with surveillance technology, video recording equipment, and report-writing software is essential, and some roles may require a private investigator license. Discretion, patience, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for building trust and maintaining confidentiality during investigations. These abilities ensure accurate evidence collection, legal compliance, and the integrity of investigative work.

What are some common challenges faced by surveillance investigators during fieldwork, and how can they be overcome?

Surveillance Investigators often encounter challenges such as maintaining discretion while observing subjects, adapting to unpredictable situations, and working irregular hours. To overcome these, investigators rely on thorough planning, utilizing advanced surveillance equipment, and staying adaptable to changing environments. Strong attention to detail and effective communication with team members also help in gathering accurate evidence while minimizing the risk of detection. Continuous training and experience are key to refining these skills over time.

What is the difference between Surveillance Investigator vs Private Investigator?

AspectSurveillance InvestigatorPrivate Investigator
CredentialsMay require security or surveillance certifications, sometimes state licensingOften requires private investigator license, background checks, and certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily outdoors, conducting surveillance and monitoringVaries; can include surveillance, interviews, background checks, and research
Employer & IndustryInsurance companies, law firms, corporations, government agenciesIndividuals, law firms, corporations, government agencies

Surveillance Investigators focus mainly on conducting surveillance to gather evidence, often working outdoors. Private Investigators have broader roles, including research, interviews, and surveillance, and typically hold private investigator licenses. Both roles serve similar industries but differ in scope and daily tasks.

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Surveillance Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surveillance Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,820 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Surveillance Investigator

Advantage Surveillance LLC

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description


Advantage Surveillance is the Nation’s only insurance defense investigation firm that invests in the operational capabilities necessary to produce consistent, high-quality results—ultimately helping our clients "See What’s True." Our company uses strategic planning and the right people and technology to give our clients greater clarity on a claimant's daily activities. By investing in areas others won't, we're able to save our clients time and money.


Job Description:


Advantage Surveillance is seeking a Surveillance Investigator in Columbus, OH Area and surrounding areas. The qualified candidate will be responsible for conducting basic surveillance and investigative activities for our operations team. As a new investigator, we will provide you with a comprehensive training program, door to door travel pay, a vehicle allowance, fuel card, a top-of-the-line camera kit, as well as our other generous benefit offerings listed below.


Responsibilities:

  • Locating Subjects of assigned investigations.
  • Conducting covert observations of the Subject (Both Stationary and Mobile Surveillance).
  • Recording Subject activity on a video recording device.
  • Preparing a written descriptive log of observations (Surveillance Report).
  • Uploading Video Evidence and a Surveillance Report

Qualifications:

  • Private Investigator license – We assist with this
  • Creative Thinking, Self-Motivated
  • Reliable Vehicle
  • Good Oral and Written Communication Skills
  • Must meet state mandated requirements to obtain or maintain a Private Detective / Private Investigator license / registration in multiple states
  • Ability to Pass a 10 Panel Drug Screening.
  • Good Driving Record
  • Weekend and Holiday Availability
  • Prior related surveillance & workers’ compensation experience is helpful but not required
  • Ability to travel up to 100% of the time

Salary: $19-$22 a hour

Company Benefits:

  • Company-paid hotels during business travel
  • Company provided camera kit and laptop
  • Fuel Card
  • Tax-Free Monthly Vehicle Allowance
  • Tax-Free Daily Per Diem of $45 for overnight stays when traveling
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Generous PTO policy including 2 weeks during your first year
  • Company-paid parental leave
  • Door to door travel pay
  • Vision insurance

Advantage Surveillance is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.