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How much does a Surveillance Investigator make?

The average salary for a Surveillance Investigator is $44,158 per year in the US.

A Surveillance Investigator works to gather information and evidence. They often use cameras and other tools. This job can pay a fair amount. On average, a Surveillance Investigator makes $44,158 each year. This number can change based on experience, location, and the company.

Here are some other salary points for this role:

  • One in ten make around $32,906 a year.
  • Some earn between $35,824 and $38,741.
  • About 14% make between $38,741 and $41,659.
  • Another 11% earn between $41,659 and $44,576.
  • More than half of these workers make between $44,576 and $56,247 each year.
  • A few top earners make over $56,247.

View Surveillance Investigator jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Surveillance Investigator?

Cities like Lubbock, Texas, offer top-tier salaries for surveillance investigators, with an average of $57,393 per year. Hartford, Connecticut, follows closely, providing an average salary of about $54,602 annually. These cities present strong opportunities for professionals seeking competitive pay in this field. In addition, Memphis, Tennessee, and Knoxville, Tennessee, both show promising salaries around $53,655 and $53,064, respectively. Buffalo, New York, also stands out with an average of $52,786 for surveillance investigators. Job seekers can find good earning potential in these areas.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Surveillance Investigator jobs, highlighting Lubbock, TX with the highest at $57,393 and Des Moines, IA with the lowest at $51,068.
  1. Lubbock, TX
    Average Salary: $57,393
    In Lubbock, a surveillance expert can expect to work with various businesses and government agencies. The city's growing economy and business sector offer diverse opportunities to monitor and ensure safety.
    Find Surveillance Investigator jobs in Lubbock, TX


  2. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $54,602
    Working in Hartford involves handling surveillance for insurance companies and financial institutions. The city's insurance industry, also known as the 'Insurance Capital of the World', offers numerous roles in surveillance.
    Find Surveillance Investigator jobs in Hartford, CT


  3. Memphis, TN
    Average Salary: $53,655
    Memphis provides a range of opportunities for surveillance professionals. The city's logistics and transportation hubs require monitoring to ensure the safety and efficiency of operations.
    Find Surveillance Investigator jobs in Memphis, TN


  4. Knoxville, TN
    Average Salary: $53,064
    Knoxville offers a mix of roles in surveillance, especially with the presence of educational institutions and healthcare facilities. These sectors need experts to protect their environments.
    Find Surveillance Investigator jobs in Knoxville, TN


  5. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $52,786
    Buffalo's surveillance scene is vibrant, with opportunities in manufacturing and finance. The city's focus on these industries means a steady demand for surveillance experts.
    Find Surveillance Investigator jobs in Buffalo, NY


  6. Clarksville, TN
    Average Salary: $52,059
    Clarksville provides a quieter, yet rewarding, environment for surveillance roles. With a focus on education and military presence, the city offers stability and growth in surveillance work.
    Find Surveillance Investigator jobs in Clarksville, TN


  7. Tallahassee, FL
    Average Salary: $51,536
    Tallahassee, as the state capital, offers a unique blend of government and private sector opportunities in surveillance. The city’s political landscape and educational institutions demand robust monitoring solutions.
    Find Surveillance Investigator jobs in Tallahassee, FL


  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $51,248
    Sacramento’s diverse economy presents a variety of surveillance opportunities. From government agencies to tech startups, the city offers a dynamic work environment for surveillance professionals.
    Find Surveillance Investigator jobs in Sacramento, CA


  9. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $51,091
    Working in Washington, DC, means engaging in high-stakes surveillance work. The city's political environment and numerous federal agencies create a need for skilled surveillance experts.
    Find Surveillance Investigator jobs in Washington, DC


  10. Des Moines, IA
    Average Salary: $51,068
    Des Moines offers a stable environment for surveillance roles, with opportunities in finance and insurance. The city’s focus on these sectors ensures a steady demand for monitoring expertise.
    Find Surveillance Investigator jobs in Des Moines, IA

What are the best companies a Surveillance Investigator can work for?

Surveillance Investigators have several companies to choose from that offer competitive salaries. The Department of Family and Protective Services stands out with an average salary of $63,787. Companies like Alpine Intel and The Robison Group follow closely behind, each offering strong compensation packages. Job seekers should consider these top-paying firms when looking for a role in this field. Meridian Investigative Group, Inc. and Delta Group also provide attractive salaries for Surveillance Investigators. Lemieux & Associates, VRC Investigations, and Metro One LPSG are other companies worth considering. These firms offer good pay and can provide valuable career opportunities. Delta Associated Investigations and Photofax, Inc. complete the list of top-paying companies in this sector.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Surveillance Investigator jobs, highlighting Department Of Family And Protective Services with the highest at $63,787 and Photofax, Inc with the lowest at $49,811.
  1. Department Of Family And Protective Services
    Average Salary: $63,787
    The Department Of Family And Protective Services offers Surveillance Investigator positions that involve monitoring and protecting individuals and families. These positions are available in various locations across the state. This role allows professionals to make a meaningful impact in their communities.


  2. Alpine Intel
    Average Salary: $60,333
    Alpine Intel provides Surveillance Investigator jobs with an emphasis on intelligence gathering. They operate in multiple regions, offering opportunities to work on diverse cases. This company values skilled investigators who can work independently and as part of a team.


  3. The Robison Group
    Average Salary: $54,011
    The Robison Group hires Surveillance Investigators who conduct thorough investigations. They work in key cities nationwide, focusing on private investigations for businesses and individuals. Their work requires attention to detail and strong analytical skills.


  4. VRC Investigations
    Average Salary: $53,437
    VRC Investigations offers Surveillance Investigator roles across major urban centers. These positions involve investigating insurance fraud, missing persons, and other complex cases. This company values professionals who are dedicated to solving tough cases.


  5. Metro One LPSG
    Average Salary: $53,385
    Metro One LPSG provides Surveillance Investigator jobs in several states. They focus on corporate investigations, background checks, and security services. This role requires strong investigative skills and the ability to work under pressure.


  6. Lemieux & Associates
    Average Salary: $52,459
    Lemieux & Associates hires Surveillance Investigators for private investigations and security services. They operate in key metropolitan areas, providing opportunities for professionals who are passionate about investigative work.


  7. Meridian Investigative Group, Inc
    Average Salary: $51,733
    Meridian Investigative Group, Inc offers Surveillance Investigator jobs in several states. Their work includes corporate investigations and security services. They value investigators who are reliable and have a strong work ethic.


  8. Delta Group
    Average Salary: $50,000
    The Delta Group provides Surveillance Investigator roles in various cities across the country. They specialize in private investigations and corporate security. This role is ideal for those who enjoy working on diverse cases.


  9. Delta Associated Investigations
    Average Salary: $50,000
    Delta Associated Investigations hires Surveillance Investigators in multiple states. They focus on corporate investigations and security. This position requires individuals who can work independently and as part of a team.


  10. Photofax, Inc
    Average Salary: $49,811
    Photofax, Inc offers Surveillance Investigator positions in key cities nationwide. They provide investigative services for businesses and individuals. This role involves conducting detailed investigations and reporting findings accurately.

How to earn more as a Surveillance Investigator?

In the field of surveillance, increasing your earnings often depends on a combination of skills, experience, and certifications. Continuous learning and development play a crucial role in advancing in this career path. Professionals who invest time in acquiring additional skills or certifications often find better-paying opportunities. These skills may include advanced video analysis, understanding of legal standards, or proficiency in specific software used in surveillance. Certifications from recognized organizations can add credibility and open doors to higher-paying roles.

Building a strong professional network also proves essential. Connections with other professionals in the industry can lead to job opportunities that are not publicly advertised. Networking at industry conferences, joining professional associations, and participating in online forums can help maintain these connections. Engaging with peers and sharing experiences can also lead to insights about better-paying jobs and industry trends. Additionally, gaining experience in high-demand areas such as cybersecurity or corporate surveillance can significantly enhance earning potential.

The following factors can help a Surveillance Investigator earn more:

  1. Continuous learning and skill development
  2. Acquiring certifications from recognized organizations
  3. Building and maintaining a professional network
  4. Gaining experience in high-demand areas
  5. Seeking opportunities in specialized surveillance roles

Currently 777 Surveillance Investigator job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Surveillance Investigator in the US?

Learn what a Surveillance Investigator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Surveillance Investigator today.
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Surveillance Investigator
777 Job Openings