One of the most common questions is, “How much does it cost to hire a private investigator?” Not knowing the costs involved is why people hesitate to hire a private investigator. The answer to the question is that the cost to hire a private investigator varies widely based on factors such as the investigation services you need, the amount of time involved in the case, and other factors. In this article, we’ll discuss how prices are determined and explain what you can expect to pay.
Private investigators provide various services that range from very simple to highly complex. So, the first step in hiring a private investigator and assessing the cost is understanding why you need their services. The more straightforward and specific you can be regarding your needs, the better you can nail down the actual cost.
Investigative services vary widely in their complexity, as do their costs. For example, a missing person search might be as easy as a simple Google search. Or, it could take months or even years of online searching, personal interviews, travel to other states, etc., to locate the person.
List of Factors Involved in the Cost to Hire a Private Investigator
Following is an overview of the costs that may be involved in hiring a private investigator. It is important to understand that not all of these expenditures will be included in every case.
Retainer
Some private investigators will charge an upfront fee called a retainer. A retainer fee is similar to a deposit, which can be applied toward future work. The retainer amount will vary depending on the agency, market, and type of case. Ensure you clearly understand whether a retainer fee is required and how the money will be applied toward future investigative work.
Flat Fee Pricing vs. Hourly Rate Pricing
Hourly Rates and Fees
Most private investigators charge an hourly rate for surveillance or investigating a cheating spouse. The total cost is then determined by the hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours worked. Hourly rates are often negotiable, so agree on a price before hiring the PI to do the work. Following are some examples of hourly rates from various hiring sources:
- According to a study by Angie’s List, the average cost to hire a private investigator in the United States is $50 per hour.
- According to a study by Thumbtack in 2017, the average cost to hire a private investigator was $70 per hour.
- According to other industry experts, the average cost ranges between $40 and $200 per hour, depending on the job’s complexity.
Flat Rates and Fees
Private Eyes also charge a flat rate or flat fee for services such as a background check, missing person locates, court document retrieval, or processing serving. With flat fee pricing, the total price is the same regardless of the investigator’s hours working on the case.
For example, a private investigator recently told us that he charges anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 for an infidelity investigation.
Market Differences May Affect the Cost to Hire a Private Investigator
The cost to hire a private investigator will vary depending on the market or geographic area being served. Prices will tend to be higher in metropolitan areas due to such factors as licensing, insurance, transportation, office space, etc. You should expect to pay more for a private investigator in markets where the cost of living is expensive, such as New York or San Francisco.
Investigation Experience and Expertise
The cost of hiring a private investigator can vary widely based on the experience level of the private investigator. A private eye with an extensive career involving military or government intelligence or a career in law enforcement will tend to be more expensive than someone just getting into the business. Theoretically, those with more experience are more likely to solve your case. Also, they are more likely to solve it in less time.
Expenses and Miscellaneous Fees
Depending on your agreement and the needs of your case, a private investigator may ask you to cover any expenses associated with the case. Expenses associated with an investigation case may include supplies, court dues, postage, and communication charges (phone calls, text messages, etc.).
Travel Expenses
If travel is involved during the case, most investigators will charge these expenses back to you. Depending on where the case leads, investigators may travel within the local area, to other states, and even internationally. Examples of travel expenses include:
- Mileage, gas, and parking fees
- Tickets for travel via plane, bus, train, boat, etc.
- Lodging expenditures for hotel rooms
- The cost of a burner phone or other communication-related costs
Travel expenses can add up quickly. So, be sure to have a very clear understanding of what you’re going to pay for.
Data Retrieval
Many private eyes can access online databases to run background checks and look up information about people. Investigation agencies pay subscription or search fees to access the database and run reports. If your case involves an online database search, they will likely pass along some of those costs. The charges for these reports will vary.
Other Factors that May Affect Price
Other factors that may affect the price are the number of investigators assigned to the case, the risk involved, the need for specialized equipment, etc.
How to Pay
Another common question is how do I pay a private eye for their services? Most agencies will allow you to pay in a variety of ways. For example, you can pay by cash, check, or money order. Also, you can pay by credit cards such as Visa, American Express, MasterCard, and Discover. In addition, some agencies can send you an electronic invoice that you can pay online using an automatic debit from your checking account. Of course, these forms of payment will vary depending on who you hire. Be sure to ask upfront about the types of payment they accept.
Hire a Private Investigator
For more information, see our List of Tips for Hiring a Private Investigator. Once you are ready to proceed, visit our Private Investigator Directory to find a list of agencies in your area. Be sure to contact multiple agencies to discuss your situation and get quotes.
Questions and Comments
If you have any additional questions about the cost to hire a private investigator, please post a message below.
Hi, I want to find my daughter Kiki Freeman,, Christine Ricci,, Kiki Ricci who moved from 192 Linwood Ave Bogota NJ to ?? Montclair address only
Thaanks John Ricci
Have you found any information yet?
Could you provide rates/fees for PI in PNG.
Can you share a pi directory for Roseburg Oregon to see if my husband is breaking the restraining order with my teenage child?
Here is the link to our PI Directory listings for Oregon – https://directory.einvestigator.com/listing-region/hire-private-investigator-oregon/
I’m looking for a pi in FL who i can intern with
Take a look at the list of private investigators and agencies in our directory at https://directory.einvestigator.com/listing-region/hire-private-investigator-florida/.
I am looking for a PI to find out who an attorney uses to find people: a bit complicated Florida area
I need information on two people in van Warren co. Thank you
Can a private investigator, by virtue of being licensed, gain access to records that are limited in their general dissemination such as a death certificate, specifically Colorado? Nevada? NY?
I would like to inquire about services concerning following a possible cheating husband who left almost 3 weeks ago and moved in with another female. I am wanting to find out if he is in a relationship with her or if she is letting him live there due to he took our English Bulldog with him. I am disabled and on a fixed income so I can’t afford much. Thank you. This is in South Carolina
Please visit our South Carolina private investigator directory at https://directory.einvestigator.com/listing-region/hire-private-investigator-south-carolina/ to find an investigator in your area. I would recommend contacting several of the investigators to get a price quote. Let them know upfront what you’re able to afford.
I would like to locate my fiancé who lives in New York State. How can you help?
Comments should always indicate which state the requested PI case pertains to.
I need to hire a PI or nodyguard to escort my wife to a business meeting one day this Summer in Malaysia . She is to meet with a man to recover money he owes her and refuses to see her if I accompany her . I do not trust him but she is determined to meet with him . I relly want to protrect my wife . If anyone out there can assist I will be very grateful . Thank you for your resonse . JRS
I would recommend that you contact a private investigator in Malaysia directly, rather than posting a general comment. There is a Malaysian private investigator listed in our directory at https://directory.einvestigator.com/listing-region/hire-private-investigator-malaysia/
I would like to hire someone to locate people from public real estate records. I need them to get a confirmed phone number and a completed questionnaire.
I would like to see if you investigate who is behind a fake name on facebook, this person is destroying my family..
My husband and I would like to hire an investigator in the Southwest Georgia area for email hacking and to inquire about your rates.
Hi I would like to locate a good friend who has moved to Buffalo recently. I have been unable to reach him. Also the place where he works at for information purposes.
Hi i would like to hire a PI as i beleive that my partner is cheating on me pleasz help me out to find about him
I am inquiring to hire a PI to help gain child visitation order and end a guardianship. Reason to believe that the guardians are endangering these kids by having them around a child molester.
I would like to inquire about surveillance services on a possibly cheating husband. The investigator should be reside in buenos Aires or cordoba. I want to ask about hourly flat rates in pesos.
Respond via email only.