Cost to hire a private investigator

Complete Pricing Guide 2025

Understanding the cost to hire a private investigator helps you budget appropriately for professional investigation services. Every day, people need to know the cost to hire a private investigator for various cases including infidelity, missing persons, and background checks. Therefore, learning about pricing factors and fee structures ensures you make informed decisions about your investigation needs.

Average Cost to Hire a Private Investigator

First, let’s discuss the typical cost to hire a private investigator in different situations. The cost to hire a private investigator varies significantly based on case complexity, location, and investigator experience. However, most private investigators charge between $75 and $200 per hour for standard investigation services.

Additionally, the cost to hire a private investigator depends on several key factors that affect the total investment required for your case. Most importantly, understanding these factors helps you get accurate estimates and avoid unexpected expenses during your investigation.

Hourly Rate Factors

Furthermore, the cost to hire a private investigator per hour depends on:

Investigator’s experience level and specialization expertise
Geographic location and local market rates
Case complexity and difficulty level
Time requirements and scheduling constraints
Special skills or equipment needed for investigation
Urgency and timeline requirements for completion

Regional Cost Variations

Moreover, the cost to hire a private investigator varies by location:

California (Los Angeles/Orange County): $100-$200 per hour
New York (NYC area): $150-$300 per hour
Texas (Dallas/Houston): $75-$150 per hour
Florida (Miami/Orlando): $85-$175 per hour
Rural areas nationwide: $50-$100 per hour

For information about private investigator licensing and regulations, visit the California Department of Consumer Affairs for state-specific requirements and fee guidelines.

Cost to Hire a Private Investigator by Service Type

Infidelity Investigation Costs

The cost to hire a private investigator for infidelity cases represents one of the most common pricing inquiries from potential clients seeking marital investigation services.

Cheating Spouse Investigation Pricing

Infidelity investigation costs typically include:

Basic surveillance (8-10 hours): $800-$2,000
Comprehensive investigation (20-30 hours): $2,000-$6,000
Extended surveillance (40+ hours): $4,000-$10,000+
Digital investigation add-on: $500-$1,500
Background check on suspected partner: $200-$500
Asset search during divorce: $1,000-$3,000

Factors Affecting Infidelity Investigation Costs

Similarly, the cost to hire a private investigator for infidelity depends on:

Subject’s routine and predictability of activities
Geographic area and travel requirements
Surveillance duration and frequency needed
Technology and equipment requirements
Evidence quality standards and court admissibility
Rush timeline and urgent service requirements

Missing Person Investigation Costs

The cost to hire a private investigator for missing person cases varies dramatically based on how long someone has been missing and available information.

Missing Person Investigation Search Pricing

Missing person investigation costs include:

Basic skip tracing and database search: $500-$1,500
Local field investigation (1-3 days): $1,000-$3,000
Extended search (1-2 weeks): $3,000-$8,000
National search coordination: $5,000-$15,000+
Emergency/urgent response: Add 50-100% premium
Ongoing monitoring services: $200-$500 per month

Missing Person Cost Variables

Additionally, the cost to hire a private investigator for missing persons depends on:

How long the person has been missing
Amount of available information and leads
Geographic scope of search area required
Age and condition of missing person
Suspected reasons for disappearance
Family cooperation and assistance level

Background Check Investigation Costs

The cost to hire a private investigator for background checks varies based on depth of investigation and verification requirements.

Background Check Pricing Structure

Background investigation costs typically include:

Basic background check: $200-$500
Comprehensive background investigation: $500-$1,500
Executive-level background check: $1,500-$5,000
Employment verification only: $100-$300
Criminal history search: $150-$400
Financial background investigation: $300-$800

Background Check Cost Factors

Furthermore, the cost to hire a private investigator for background checks depends on:

Number of jurisdictions requiring searches
Depth of investigation and verification needed
International searches and translation requirements
Timeline urgency and rush service needs
Field verification and interview requirements
Ongoing monitoring and update services

Surveillance Investigation Costs

The cost to hire a private investigator for surveillance represents a significant investment that provides valuable evidence for various case types.

Surveillance Service Pricing

Surveillance costs typically include:

Mobile surveillance (per day): $800-$1,200
Stationary surveillance (per day): $600-$1,000
Multi-investigator surveillance: $1,200-$2,400 per day
Weekend/holiday surveillance: Add 25-50% premium
Equipment and technology fees: $100-$300 per day
Video evidence compilation: $200-$500

Surveillance Cost Considerations

Moreover, the cost to hire a private investigator for surveillance depends on:

Duration and frequency of surveillance required
Number of investigators needed for coverage
Equipment and technology requirements
Geographic area and travel considerations
Subject behavior and surveillance difficulty
Evidence quality standards and documentation needs

For surveillance regulations and legal guidelines, consult the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services for state-specific surveillance laws and requirements.

Additional Costs When You Hire a Private Investigator

Equipment and Technology Fees

Beyond hourly rates, the cost to hire a private investigator often includes additional equipment and technology fees for specialized investigation tools.

Common Equipment Costs

Equipment fees may include:

GPS tracking devices: $50-$150 per device per week
Professional camera equipment: $25-$75 per day
Night vision equipment: $50-$100 per day
Audio recording device