Job description template

Private Investigator Job Description Template

A copy-ready private investigator job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
How to use this template

Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows private investigators earn a median of $51,220 ($24.62/hour); the middle 50% earn $40,700–$73,990.

Job title

Private Investigator

Job summary

[Company name] is seeking a dependable private investigator to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will conduct surveillance, research public records and databases and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct surveillance
  • Research public records and databases
  • Run background checks
  • Locate people and assets
  • Interview witnesses and subjects
  • Gather evidence for legal cases
  • Write detailed reports for clients
  • Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations

Required qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Current license or certification as required by [state]
  • Working knowledge of surveillance techniques and records research
  • Patience and discretion
  • [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]

Preferred qualifications

  • State private investigator license
  • Professional Certified Investigator (PCI)
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
  • Experience with cameras and video equipment

Skills

  • Interviewing
  • Report writing
  • Evidence documentation
  • Laws on privacy and investigations
  • Persistence
  • Communication

Work environment and schedule

PIs work in offices, cars and the field, sometimes for long hours waiting and watching. Some work involves travel or confrontations. Hours are irregular, including early mornings, nights and weekends, depending on cases.

Pay and benefits

$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]

Equal opportunity

[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Tips for a private investigator job posting that attracts applicants

  • Use the title candidates search for. “Private Investigator” is the clearest; alternates include PI, Private Detective, Licensed Investigator.
  • Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
  • Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
  • Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a private investigator so applicants self-select accurately.
  • Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Private Investigator training: widens your applicant pool.

Next steps

Screen and interview with our Private Investigator hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.

Team pricing