How Many Hours Do Private Investigators Work?

Private investigators work on a highly variable schedule, making their work hours rely heavily on the client's demands and the nature of the case. Unlike traditional jobs, a private investigator's work week can see them logging 80 hours one week and only 5 hours the next, depending on the client and the case.

The Nature of Their Work

Being classified as a private investigator means that their work is contracted on an as-needed basis. What this means is that the private investigator works based on the client's needs. The clients can require the investigator to work overtime or take on lighter caseloads, this results in a highly unpredictable schedule. Many private investigators, particularly those in transition from a law enforcement career, count on their network of contacts within law enforcement agencies for assistance in research, which can influence the amount of work they take on. However, the bottom line is that the amount of time spent on a case is determined by the client's requirements.

Working in an Agency vs Freelance

The nature of work for a private investigator can vastly differ based on whether they work for an agency or are self-employed. If one works for an agency, the hours and workload can be quite demanding, especially for new hires. They might find themselves working 12 hours a day, six days a week for relatively low pay. On the other hand, a self-employed private investigator can work as many or as few hours as needed, as long as they can manage to pay their bills and provide for their family. This year, for instance, the author has managed an average of about fifteen hours of work a week, although the actual hours worked have been higher, and this has been sufficient to keep them and their family comfortable.

Case Load and Work Hours

The amount of hours a private investigator works can vary greatly depending on the case load. Some days, a PI might only work a few hours, while on others, they may work 80 hours, with correspondingly higher pay. It's a mix of feast and famine, with the PI's workload often fluctuating from day to day and week to week.

Types of Private Investigators

There are two main types of private investigators, each with their own work hours. Some private investigators work by themselves and are hired by individuals to conduct background checks and gather information for a fee. This can lead to irregular schedules as each case is unique. Others work for larger companies, where the work is more structured and routine. They might have an employment agreement detailing the expected hours of work, providing a more stable schedule.

Both types of private investigators face the challenge of unpredictable workloads, but the nature of self-employment provides more flexibility in terms of how to manage their time and balance their clients' needs with their personal lives. The key to success for a private investigator is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and make the most of the available hours.