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What is a surveillance investigator and how to become one
Working with investigative services agencies or the state, surveillance investigators work with their employers to gather facts to help investigations and to draw conclusions from their facts. This position involves collecting details on people of interest, traveling to their place to film and find evidence, and including all their finds in the documents of the case.
Surveillance investigators are resourceful, inquisitive, and can easily spot information. This occupation often involves extensive travel and unusual working hours to observe where and when police can locate a suspect. Surveillance investigators operate with a wide range of organizations. Relevant roles and obligations may vary, but there are various key activities associated with the role, including conducting case research, performing video surveillance, and collecting evidence at the scene.
Individuals may serve as a surveillance investigator with previous expertise in the military, defense, private prosecution, law enforcement, or security sectors. However, many companies want applicants to have an associate's or a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Popular subjects in social justice systems include criminal law, corrections, studies, criminal and law enforcement. Many surveillance investigators will need a state license for private prosecution, and each state has varying standards for qualifications, experience, and background checks.
Avg. Salary $45,807
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 3%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.58%
Asian 4.96%
Black or African American 11.97%
Hispanic or Latino 24.62%
Unknown 5.30%
White 51.57%
Genderfemale 26.02%
male 73.98%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is excellent
6.4 - fair
Surveillance investigator career paths
Key steps to become a surveillance investigator
Explore surveillance investigator education requirements
Start to develop specific surveillance investigator skills
Skills Percentages Surveillance Video 22.82% Video Evidence 21.10% Insurance Claims 20.10% Conduct Surveillance 10.64% Criminal Justice 10.25% Complete relevant surveillance investigator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New surveillance investigators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a surveillance investigator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real surveillance investigator resumes.Research surveillance investigator duties and responsibilities
- Save video clips from incidents and procedurals.
- Investigate SIU claims, conduct covert surveillance and produce reports for possible insurance fraud.
- Coordinate the design and development of new AML monitoring scenario rules, testing and implementation.
- Direct the development of periodic gap assessments to address AML risks identify for DTCC products and services.
Prepare your surveillance investigator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your surveillance investigator resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a surveillance investigator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable surveillance investigator resume templates
Build a professional surveillance investigator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your surveillance investigator resume.
Apply for surveillance investigator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a surveillance investigator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first surveillance investigator job
Are you a surveillance investigator?
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Average surveillance investigator salary
The average surveillance investigator salary in the United States is $45,807 per year or $22 per hour. Surveillance investigator salaries range between $31,000 and $67,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do surveillance investigators rate their job?
Surveillance investigator reviews
Irregular work hours and pay don't go hand in hand. If you're not into doing administration work AFTER a long day of investigation, good luck. There are times where I had to request for a WEEKEND off. But because of the irregular schedule as a new Investigator, don't expect to have a life. Especially when it comes to you being the new guy who joins during peak business hours.
Updated January 8, 2025
