How to hire a field investigator

How to hire a field investigator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step field investigator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a field investigator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new field investigator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a field investigator do?

Post a field investigator job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the field investigator you need to hire. Certain field investigator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A field investigator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, field investigators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of field investigators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Field Investigator	Description	Hourly rate
   Field Investigator	Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators evaluate insurance claims. They decide whether an insurance company must pay a claim, and if so, how much... Show more	$11-24
   Disability Examiner	A disability examiner is primarily in charge of conducting assessments and examinations to determine an applicant's eligibility for disability benefits and programs. Their duties usually include reviewing medical and health records, conducting interviews, and evaluating applications... Show more	$13-27
   Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster	A worker's compensation claims adjuster is responsible for analyzing and validating compensation claims, ensuring eligibility and accuracy to authorize payments. Their responsibilities also include coordinating with different departments to gather data, liaising with internal and external parties, determining the amount of compensation, and negotiating claims... Show more	$19-39

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Excellent Time Management
   • Background Checks
   • Mental Health
   • Criminal Justice
   • Law Enforcement Agencies
   • Comprehensive Reports
   • Background Investigations
   • Face-To-Face Interviews
   • Security Clearance
   • Insurance Claims
   • National Security
   • Video Cameras
   • General Liability
   • Scene Investigations

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and dispose of claims in litigation by preparing and developing strategy with defense counsel and consensus relative to litigation handling.
   • Conduct SIU investigations and activity checks/interviews.
   • Complete advanced SIU training in arson investigation, forensics, interrogation and statistical analysis.
   • Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
   • Work with lawyers, insurance investigators, medical providers, Medicaid clients, and co-workers to resolve issues.
   • Complete additional training and implementation of health insurance billing, both commercial and government (Medicare and Medicaid).

   More field investigator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your field investigator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A field investigator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, field investigators' average salary in mississippi is 52% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level field investigators 54% less than senior-level field investigators.
   • Certifications. A field investigator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a field investigator's salary.

   Average field investigator salary

   $16.49hourly

   $34,305 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level field investigator salary

   $23,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 23, 2026

   Average field investigator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$54,731	$26
   2	New York	$43,488	$21
   3	Oregon	$43,014	$21
   4	New Jersey	$39,859	$19
   5	Washington	$39,136	$19
   6	Connecticut	$38,919	$19
   7	Maryland	$37,083	$18
   8	Indiana	$36,919	$18
   9	Maine	$36,767	$18
   10	Pennsylvania	$36,076	$17
   11	Ohio	$35,941	$17
   12	Minnesota	$35,660	$17
   13	Texas	$34,864	$17
   14	North Carolina	$34,110	$16
   15	Wisconsin	$33,274	$16
   16	Colorado	$32,747	$16
   17	Michigan	$32,540	$16
   18	North Dakota	$32,182	$15
   19	Illinois	$31,495	$15
   20	South Carolina	$31,305	$15

   Average field investigator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	The Travelers Companies	$44,805	$21.54	5
   2	San Antonio Water System	$41,326	$19.87
   3	Reno, NV	$41,142	$19.78	3
   4	National General Insurance	$39,176	$18.83
   5	Sedgwick LLP	$39,043	$18.77	97
   6	paragon Co.	$38,755	$18.63
   7	Pennsylvania State Treasurer	$38,755	$18.63	2
   8	The Independent Traveler	$38,745	$18.63	4
   9	G4S	$37,035	$17.81
   10	Liberty Healthcare	$36,151	$17.38
   11	Dave & Buster's	$32,062	$15.41
   12	United Auto Recovery	$30,327	$14.58
   13	State of Arizona	$29,590	$14.23	12
   14	Burlington	$28,496	$13.70
   15	State of Ohio	$28,392	$13.65	6
   16	JCPenney	$28,035	$13.48	3
   17	Maine	$27,381	$13.16
   18	Indiana State Police	$27,176	$13.07	10

4. Writing a field investigator job description

   A field investigator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a field investigator job description:

   Field investigator job description example

   The Field Investigator (FI) directly supports national security and suitability investigations, focusing on performing background investigations on behalf of government clients. Investigators will conduct interviews, retrieve records, conduct research and prepare reports of investigations in compliance with federal standards, all laws, and other required federal agency regulations. Investigators type comprehensive reports summarizing facts obtained from these field source interviews and record information and submit for quality review and completeness. Casework is performed throughout the geographic area of responsibility with travel to various places of employment, residence and education institutions. Travel to other geographic locations (by car or by plane) may also be required as needed.
   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
   
   * The functions listed describe the business purpose of this job. Specific duties or tasks may vary and be documented separately. The employee might not be required to perform all functions listed. Additional duties may be assigned, and functions may be modified according to business necessity.
   * All assigned duties or tasks are deemed to be part of the essential functions unless such duties or tasks are unrelated to the functions listed, in which case they are deemed to be other (non-essential) functions.
   * Employees are held accountable for successful job performance. Job performance standards may be documented separately and may include functions, objectives, duties, or tasks not specifically listed herein.
   * In performing functions, duties, or tasks, employees are required to know and follow safe work practices and to be aware of company policies and procedures related to job safety, including safety rules and regulations. Employees are required to notify superiors upon becoming aware of unsafe working conditions.
   * All functions, duties, or tasks are to be carried out in an honest, ethical, and professional manner and are to be performed in conformance with applicable company policies and procedures. In the event of uncertainty or lack of knowledge of company policies and procedures, employees are required to request clarification or explanations from superiors or authorized company representatives.
   * Conduct interviews and background checks that help to ensure the safety and security of the nation.
   * Obtain and report factual information for background investigations that determine employment suitability and security clearance eligibility.
   * Conduct face-to-face interviews with the applicant and their neighbors, coworkers, friends, and associates.
   * Complete record searches at law enforcement agencies, courthouses, and mental health, financial, and educational institutions.
   * Compile information in a clear, concise report on a standardized reporting format.
   * Meet quality, timeliness, and production metrics
   * Interact with team leader and case review officers to ensure timeliness and thoroughness of investigations.
   * Assist in obtaining fieldwork in a rapid, time-sensitive work environment.
   * Ensure leads are completed in a timely manner and in accordance with investigative standards.
   * May be asked to assist with temporary details (TDYs) to high-need areas, dependent upon workload demands.
   * Perform additional functions, duties and specific tasks of a similar nature and scope as necessary in order to achieve assigned business objectives.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find field investigators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your field investigator job on Zippia to find and recruit field investigator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting field investigators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new field investigator

   Once you've selected the best field investigator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new field investigator. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a field investigator?