Private Investigator Jobs

Private investigation is a specialized field, and the type of PI job you pursue typically depends on your training, experience, and the types of cases you want to handle. Here are some of the most common investigator jobs available on our platform:

Fraud Investigator Jobs

Fraud investigator jobs are among the most common private investigator positions in the United States. Investigators in this specialty handle insurance fraud, workers’ compensation fraud, financial fraud, identity fraud, and corporate fraud cases. Employers include SIU teams at insurance carriers, in-house fraud departments at major corporations, and law firms handling fraud-related litigation. These roles are available as full-time positions, contract engagements, and remote fraud investigator jobs where case analysis, research, and document review can be performed remotely.

Background Investigator Jobs

Background investigator jobs focus on verifying personal, professional, and financial information for employment decisions, government clearances, litigation due diligence, and civil matters. Many positions are remote or hybrid because much of the work involves database research, public records review, and structured interviews. Entry-level background investigator jobs can be an accessible starting point for newcomers entering the private investigation field.

Surveillance Investigator Jobs

Surveillance investigator jobs require fieldwork and are generally not remote. PIs in this specialty conduct stationary and mobile surveillance, commonly for insurance claims and claimant activity checks, domestic matters, and corporate investigations. Compensation is often based on the case, shift, or assignment, with experienced surveillance investigators potentially earning higher rates for multi-day or out-of-state work.

Corporate Investigator Jobs

Corporate investigator jobs involve internal investigations for businesses, including employee theft, intellectual property protection, merger and acquisition due diligence, vendor compliance, and executive background screening. These roles may be salaried positions within corporate security, compliance, or risk departments, while specialized investigative firms may also hire corporate investigators on a contract basis.

Insurance Fraud Investigator Jobs

Insurance fraud investigator jobs are a specialized area of fraud investigation focused on claims. Special Investigations Units (SIUs) at major carriers hire both staff and contract investigators for AOE/COE investigations, claimant surveillance, recorded statements, documentation, and case analysis. Fraud investigator insurance jobs combine field investigation with analytical and claims-related work.

Workers Comp Investigator Jobs

Workers’ compensation investigator jobs combine surveillance with claims investigation. PIs document claimant activity and gather evidence that can help verify or challenge the circumstances and extent of reported injuries. These positions are often contract-based, allowing investigators to handle assignments for multiple insurance carriers. Workers comp fraud investigator jobs are a specialized area of investigative work focused on helping carriers evaluate the accuracy of claims.

Litigation Support PI Jobs

Litigation support PI jobs focus on investigative services such as witness location, evidence gathering, asset searches, and pre-trial investigations. Attorneys engage investigators when they need reliable fieldwork and documentation to support a case, with appropriate attention to chain-of-custody procedures and court-related evidence standards.

Entry-Level Private Investigator Jobs

Entry-level background investigator jobs and surveillance assistant roles can be a good starting point for new PIs with foundational training but limited field experience. Some large insurance carriers and investigative firms offer structured training programs to help new investigators develop practical skills. Our platform highlights entry-level positions so newcomers can find suitable opportunities without sorting through senior-level listings.

Experienced PI Positions

Mid-career and senior investigators typically qualify for higher-value assignments and specialized roles. Senior fraud investigators, lead surveillance investigators, and experienced background investigators are particularly sought after by major insurance carriers, investigative firms, and other organizations with complex investigative needs.

Part-Time Private Investigator Jobs

Part-time private investigator jobs are common in surveillance, background investigations, and contract assignments. Many experienced PIs supplement their primary employment with part-time work through agencies or directly with attorneys, insurance carriers, and businesses, allowing them to build income across multiple engagements.

Understanding who posts private investigator jobs can help you target your applications more effectively. Four employer categories account for the majority of postings on our platform:

Law Firms and Attorneys

Attorneys hire private investigators for litigation support, witness location, asset investigations, and pre-trial due diligence. PIs with experience in chain-of-custody documentation, evidence gathering, and court-related investigations are often well positioned for these opportunities. See more about working as a private investigator for attorneys.

Insurance Companies

Insurance carriers and SIU teams hire investigators for claims investigations, workers’ compensation surveillance, AOE/COE determinations, recorded statements, and other fraud-related assignments. Insurance investigation is one of the highest-volume categories for PI work. See more about insurance fraud investigator opportunities.

Corporations

Businesses hire corporate private investigators for internal investigations involving fraud, theft, workplace misconduct, due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, executive screening, and other business risks. These opportunities may be full-time positions or specialized contract assignments.

Private Investigation Agencies

Private investigation agencies frequently hire both staff investigators and subcontractors to manage case volume, expand geographic coverage, or access specialized expertise. Agencies may also engage independent PIs when they need licensed investigators in jurisdictions where they do not have an in-house team. See more about private investigation agencies hiring through our platform.

Do I need a license to apply for private investigator jobs?

Most US states require a state-issued PI license to work as a private investigator. Certain specialty roles, such as corporate investigations performed as part of an in-house position, may have different requirements. Each job listing on our platform clearly specifies any applicable licensing requirements.

Are there remote private investigator jobs?

Yes. Background investigations, fraud case analysis, OSINT research, and litigation research can often be performed remotely or in a hybrid arrangement. Field surveillance and in-person interviews generally require on-site work. Use the “remote” filter on our job board to find remote-eligible opportunities.

How much do private investigators make?

Private investigator earnings in the US vary based on experience, location, specialty, and employment type. Staff investigators may earn approximately $52,000–$56,000 annually on average, while hourly rates commonly range from $25–$30 for standard positions. Specialized surveillance and contract work can reach $50–$75+ per hour, while senior investigators at established firms may earn $80,000–$120,000 or more.

Can I find part-time PI jobs?

Yes. Part-time private investigator jobs are common in surveillance, background investigations, and contract assignments. Many experienced PIs combine multiple part-time or contract engagements to build a flexible workload rather than relying on a single full-time position.

How do I find private investigator jobs near me?

Use our location filters to search for private investigator jobs by city, state, or ZIP code. You can also enable proximity-based job alerts to receive notifications when new opportunities become available in your area.

What are subcontractor PI jobs?

Subcontractor PI jobs are 1099 or independent-contractor engagements in which an investigator is hired to handle specific cases or assignments. PI agencies commonly use subcontractors to cover out-of-state cases, manage overflow, or access specialized investigative expertise.

What’s the difference between a private investigator and a private detective?

In the United States, “private detective” and “private investigator” generally refer to the same licensed profession. Private detective jobs and private investigator jobs typically describe the same type of work, although terminology may vary by state, employer, or region.

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