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Surveillance Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VRC Investigations

Surveillance Investigator

Providence, RI · On-site

$21.75 - $26.75/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

Toms River, NJ · On-site

$21.75 - $26.75/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

Trenton, NJ

$21.50 - $26.50/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

Memphis, TN · 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.

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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

Allied Universal® Compliance and Investigations

Allentown, PA • On-site

$21.25 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Allied Universal rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 2,578 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 117 rated security

Job description


Company Overview:

Advance Your Career in Insurance Claims with Allied Universal® Compliance and Investigation Services. Allied Universal® Compliance and Investigation Services is the premier destination for a career in insurance claim investigation. As a global leader, we provide dynamic opportunities for claim investigators, SIU investigators, and surveillance investigators. Our team is committed to innovation and excellence, making a significant impact in the insurance industry. If you’re ready to grow with the best, explore a career with us and make a difference.


Allied Universal® is hiring a Surveillance Investigator. The Surveillance Investigator will perform discreet mobile and stationary surveillance of a Claimant to confirm current activities and capabilities to assist with the administration of an insurance claim.

  • No two days are the same!
  • Auto and travel allowances!
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with at least one year of driving experience

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Conduct independent investigations of insurance claims across a range of coverage types, including workers’ compensation, general liability, property and casualty, and disability
  • Utilize various surveillance techniques and equipment to monitor subjects covertly
  • Document and report observations, activities, and any relevant information in a clear and concise manner
  • Collaborate with other investigators and law enforcement agencies as needed to gather information and coordinate efforts
  • Maintain confidentiality and adhere to legal and ethical standards in conducting surveillance operations

QUALIFICATIONS (MUST HAVE):

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Post offer, must be able to successfully complete the Allied Universal Investigations' training/orientation course
  • Minimum of one (1) year of verifiable work experience, preferably involving investigations or other protective service-related field
  • Flexibility to work varied and irregular hours/days including weekends and holidays
  • Ability to type reports in Microsoft Word format with minimal grammatical and punctuation errors
  • Proficient in utilizing laptop computers, video cameras and cell phones
  • Capable of maintaining focus and multitasking effectively in a dynamic environment
  • Demonstrated ability to manage stressful situations with composure and professionalism
  • Ability to work in a very independent environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (NICE TO HAVE):

  • Associate’s Degree or higher, preferably in Criminal Justice
  • Security/Loss Prevention experience
  • Military experience
  • Law enforcement experience
  • Prior insurance investigations experience
  • Prior educational or professional incident reporting and/or investigations experience

BENEFITS:

  • Medical, dental, vision, basic life, AD&D, retirement plan and disability insurance
  • Seven paid holidays annually, sick days available where required by law
  • Vacation time offered at an initial accrual rate of 3.08 hours biweekly; unused vacation is only paid out where required by law

Allied Universal® is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or relationship/association with a protected veteran, or any other basis or characteristic protected by law. For more information: www.aus.com

If you have difficulty using the online system and require an alternate method to apply or require an accommodation, please contact our local Human Resources department. To find an office near you, please visit: www.aus.com/offices.

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About Allied Universal

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Allied Universal® is a leading security and facility services company. We provide proactive security services and cutting-edge smart technology to deliver evolving, tailored solutions that allow our clients to focus on their core business. Our excellence starts with our local leadership and local presence. Operating in more than 90 countries, our global workforce of approximately 800,000 people. Employees help to deliver our promise globally and locally: keeping people safe so our customers and communities can thrive. As we build the world's best services company, we continue to expand our footprint and infrastructure on a global and local level. In North America, we operate our business under the existing Allied Universal brand, and our international business operates under the G4S brand.

Industry

Investigation and physical security services, chemical manufacturing and real estate

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Ana, CA, US

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