Editor’s Note: The article was updated on February 3rd, 2025, and originally published on September 17th, 2018. It has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
One of the first questions that comes up when making the decision to hire a private investigator is: How much is it going to cost? The cost of an investigation can vary significantly, as there are no standard fees in the industry. The average private investigator cost depends on factors such as the level of service, experience, and location. Prices can range widely depending on the type of investigation required.
Several key factors influence investigative costs, including the duration of surveillance, the need for travel, and access to specialized databases. Additional expenses, such as mileage, hotel stays, and research fees, can further impact the cost of an investigation.
Understanding the average private investigator cost ensures you receive quality service at a fair price. Before hiring, always clarify pricing details and confirm what is included in the investigation to avoid unexpected fees.
Before Spending Money On A Private Investigator, Understand The Different Pricing Models
Some clients need private investigators for the usual types of investigations, like surveillance, pre-matrimonial investigation, bug sweeps, or background checks. These are among the essential types of services provided by a private investigator. You can expect to pay less to find answers to more common questions than for more complicated matters, like financial fraud investigations, asset investigations, forensic investigations or complex investigations that involve creative solutions to your problems and the use of state-of-the-art equipment.
Private investigators offer a wide range of private investigation services for both individuals and companies, so it’s only natural for them to have a wide range of fees.
Charge an Hourly Rate
Most private investigators charge an hourly rate; after all, they are consultants. Hourly prices are common, especially for basic services such as surveillance assignments that can run for hours, days, or even weeks. The private investigator will be paid for the number of hours worked.
However, it’s recommended to agree upon a budget for the private investigator to work within that range.
To give you an idea of the hourly rates, private investigators in the US can ask from $40/hour to $400-$500/hour if they provide specialized services like computer forensics. However, you could probably access a professional private investigator’s services with more than five years of experience in the field for an hourly fee of about $100-$150. This would be the average cost for a private investigator.
Flat Rate Private Investigations
Flat rates are usually established for simple and well-defined assignments like an annual tax return, bankruptcy filing, or finding missing persons. Their flat rates will usually include all expenses and taxes too. Flat fees can start from anywhere around $250 for finding a person to $1500 for asset investigation.
Of course, the prices vary depending on your location. While finding a person might cost you $250 in a medium-sized town in the US, you can expect to pay around $750 for the same service in a big city like Chicago. Their prices usually depend on the cost of living in the area.
Contingency fees are somewhat uncommon for private investigators, but they can choose to work on a contingency basis if the state where they reside allows this. However, there are states like New York where these types of fees are not allowed.
PI Retainer Fee
Some private investigators require an initial payment, known as the retainer. The retainer fee is previously established based on the amount of work needed by the investigator.
If the retainer is consumed before finishing the job, the monthly fee may be an option until the job is done. In case the retainer isn’t consumed fully, the private investigator typically issues a refund.
The amount required for the retainer upfront varies according to the case and investigative services provided by the private investigator.
Travel Fees and Other costs
In addition to standard private investigator rates, there are additional costs that may arise throughout the investigation process. Depending on the complexity of a case, investigators may need to travel, surveillance costs, conduct research, or access specialized resources, leading to higher fees. For example, some private investigators charge per mile for travel expenses, while others include it in their overall fee structure.
Other potential administrative costs can include database access fees, court record retrieval fees, and expenses related to document processing. While fees vary based on location and the nature of the case, it’s important to clarify what is included in the investigator’s pricing upfront. Not all investigators charge for these items, but being aware of potential expenses helps clients budget effectively and avoid surprises.
The Type of Investigation Can Influence the Cost of Hiring a Private Investigator
Private investigators offer a wide range of investigative services tailored to individuals, businesses, and legal professionals. The type of investigation required depends on the nature of the case and the specific information needed. Some of the most common types of private investigations include surveillance, where investigators monitor a subject’s activities to gather evidence; background checks, which verify personal or professional history; and infidelity investigations, used to confirm suspicions of cheating partners.
For legal cases, private investigators assist with child custody investigations, gathering proof of parental misconduct, and fraud investigations, uncovering financial deception or identity theft. Businesses often hire investigators for corporate investigations, which may involve employee misconduct, intellectual property theft, or due diligence on potential business partners.
Other specialized investigations include missing persons cases, where investigators track down lost relatives or debtors, and asset searches, which help uncover hidden financial holdings in divorce or business disputes. Each type of investigation requires a unique approach, specialized tools, and in-depth expertise to ensure accurate and legally admissible results.
1. Run Background Checks
When you bring a new person into your life, whether for personal or professional reasons, it pays to be cautious.
Hiring a PI allows you to know exactly who they are and whether you can trust them. A PI will perform advanced background checks to find out their history, reputation, and current status.
Background check services include screenings of criminal history, financial records, employment, personal relationships, and business dealings. A PI will use all of this information to give you an accurate representation of the person you’re investigating.
This can help you to avoid fraud and protect your business by identifying anyone who may not be trustworthy. These checks will provide you peace of mind before you allow anyone into your inner circle.
2. Carry Out Surveillance
In cases where someone believes or suspects that their partner is cheating, a PI can provide surveillance services and find out the truth.
Using the latest technology, they can carry out surveillance to track your spouse. Infidelity investigations include the use of video surveillance, GPS tracking, financial checks, and in-person investigation.
The information an infidelity investigator gathers can help you make an informed decision about your relationship. It can also be incredibly valuable when you’re trying to build a case for divorce or attempting to get child custody.
3. Locate Missing Persons
When a person close to you goes missing, it’s devastating for those left behind. Missing persons cases leave families in distress, not knowing where their loved one is or if they’re alive, which means there is no closure, and families continue to search desperately, often for many years.
Unfortunately, police searches and investigations don’t perform in-depth research. With so many cases to handle, many are often dropped or closed, leaving families without hope. In these instances, missing persons are often forgotten about by authorities.
This isn’t the case when hiring an investigator. They’ll prioritize your case, continuing to work vigilantly for as long as you want them to. They can dedicate all of their time and resources to your missing person investigation.
4. Child Custody
Child custody cases are often emotionally charged and require strong evidence to support a parent’s claims. Private investigators play a crucial role in gathering this evidence, whether it’s proving neglect, abuse, substance abuse, or violations of custody agreements. The cost of hiring a private investigator for a child custody case depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, surveillance requirements, and legal documentation needs.
Most private investigators charge an hourly rate for custody investigations, which typically ranges from $75 to 200 per hour. Since custody cases often involve extended surveillance, background checks, and interviews, the total cost can vary widely, from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the depth of the investigation. Additional expenses may include court testimony fees, travel costs, and specialized surveillance equipment.
When hiring a private investigator for a child custody case, it’s essential to work with a professional who has experience handling family law matters and understands how to collect admissible evidence. A well-executed investigation can make a significant difference in custody decisions and provide the necessary documentation to protect a child’s best interests.
Considering Hiring a PI?
Since there are no standardized regulations for pricing, the cost of a private investigator can vary significantly. While it may be tempting to hire the cheapest option, lower fees often mean lower-quality services. Many inexperienced investigators take longer to gather necessary information, increasing the overall cost due to extended hours and inefficiency.
When considering the value of a private investigator, it’s essential to factor in experience, reliability, and results. A more skilled investigator may have higher rates, but they can often complete the work faster and with greater accuracy, ultimately saving time and money. Law firms and individuals alike benefit from hiring professionals who provide credible, court-admissible evidence.
The duration of an investigation and additional fees can also impact pricing. Some cases cost less due to their simplicity, while others require extensive surveillance, research, and database access. Depending on the type of investigation, expenses like travel, administrative work, or specialized tools may apply.
To make informed decisions, always verify an investigator’s credentials and discuss pricing details upfront. A trusted investigator ensures transparency, effectiveness, and results that justify the investment.
Need professional investigative services? Contact our licensed investigators today for a free consultation.
