Investigator Jobs in Illinois
Investigator jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with demand concentrated in insurance claims, corporate compliance, law enforcement support, and financial fraud, at levels from entry-level field associate through senior investigator and team lead. Chicago drives the bulk of hiring, while Peoria and Springfield generate steady openings through state agencies, insurance carriers, and regional financial institutions. Well-established employers with a lasting Illinois presence include Allstate, the Illinois Department of Insurance, and Zurich North America. The most sought-after specialties are insurance fraud investigation, background screening, and internal corporate investigations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Investigator JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 45+ Investigator jobs
SUPERVISING INVESTIGATOR
Job Number: 419748
Description
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Supervising Investigator
Chicago Fire Department
Internal Affairs Division
Number of Positions: 1
(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: $85,548
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 09/29/2026
Under supervision, supervises staff engaged in the investigation of cases involving allegations of criminal activity, official misconduct, and residency violations by City employees, including large-scale and complex investigations, and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Reviews complaints and allegations and assigns cases to investigative staff
- Monitors cases assigned to staff, ensuring investigations are timely and in compliance with established procedures
- Reviews investigative reports prepared by staff for completeness of information and to assess findings and recommendations
- Coordinates large-scale investigations requiring coordination between departments and outside agencies
- Participates in and provides direction to staff investigating complex cases requiring specialized investigative and surveillance skills
- Assists in establishing operating procedures and work practices
- Monitors staff's use of surveillance equipment and conduct of covert investigations
- Meets with staff to review status of cases and evaluate work performance
- Trains and oversees the training of investigators on standard and specialized investigative practices and techniques
- Testifies in court, arbitrations, and Personnel Board hearings on investigations conducted and findings
- Prepares reports of completed investigations and staff performance for management review
- Confers with management and the Department of Law on legal issues relating to investigative activities
- Administers drug and alcohol tests to employees, as required
Additional duties may be required for this position
Location: Chicago Fire Department – Internal Affairs Division
3510 S. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60653 / Citywide
Days: Monday – Friday
Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Hours: Hours may vary
THIS POSITION IS NOT IN CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Seven (7) years of work experience in the conduct of investigations of criminal or fraudulent activity OR seven (7) years of work experience in the performance of fact finding analyses and investigative research and reporting, OR
- Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate’s degree in the Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, Human Resources or a directly related field, plus five (5) years of work experience in the conduct of investigations of criminal or fraudulent activity OR five (5) years of work experience in the performance of fact finding analyses and investigative research and reporting, OR
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in the Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, Human Resources or a directly related field, plus three (3) years of work experience in the conduct of investigations of criminal or fraudulent activity OR three (3) years of work experience in the performance of fact finding analyses and investigative research and reporting, OR
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree or higher in the Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, Human Resources or a directly related field, plus two (2) years of work experience in the conduct of investigations of criminal or fraudulent activity OR two (2) years of work experience in the performance of fact finding analyses and investigative research and reporting
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
- A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required
- Availability to work and duty watch is required
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the interview will be selected.
The Chicago Fire Department may request that successful candidates pass a drug screen and background investigation. Persons offered employment must pass all pre-employment exams prior to appointment.
For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at: City of Chicago :: Classification and Pay Plan
APPLICATION EVALUATION:
Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor
Job Posting
: Sep 15, 2026, 10:40:57 AM
Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External
: Sep 29, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
BU: 10
Salary: $85,548
Pay Basis
: Yearly
SUPERVISING INVESTIGATOR
Job Number: 419748
Description
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Supervising Investigator
Chicago Fire Department
Internal Affairs Division
Number of Positions: 1
(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: $85,548
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 09/29/2026
Under supervision, supervises staff engaged in the investigation of cases involving allegations of criminal activity, official misconduct, and residency violations by City employees, including large-scale and complex investigations, and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Reviews complaints and allegations and assigns cases to investigative staff
- Monitors cases assigned to staff, ensuring investigations are timely and in compliance with established procedures
- Reviews investigative reports prepared by staff for completeness of information and to assess findings and recommendations
- Coordinates large-scale investigations requiring coordination between departments and outside agencies
- Participates in and provides direction to staff investigating complex cases requiring specialized investigative and surveillance skills
- Assists in establishing operating procedures and work practices
- Monitors staff's use of surveillance equipment and conduct of covert investigations
- Meets with staff to review status of cases and evaluate work performance
- Trains and oversees the training of investigators on standard and specialized investigative practices and techniques
- Testifies in court, arbitrations, and Personnel Board hearings on investigations conducted and findings
- Prepares reports of completed investigations and staff performance for management review
- Confers with management and the Department of Law on legal issues relating to investigative activities
- Administers drug and alcohol tests to employees, as required
Additional duties may be required for this position
Location: Chicago Fire Department – Internal Affairs Division
3510 S. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60653 / Citywide
Days: Monday – Friday
Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Hours: Hours may vary
THIS POSITION IS NOT IN CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Seven (7) years of work experience in the conduct of investigations of criminal or fraudulent activity OR seven (7) years of work experience in the performance of fact finding analyses and investigative research and reporting, OR
- Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate’s degree in the Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, Human Resources or a directly related field, plus five (5) years of work experience in the conduct of investigations of criminal or fraudulent activity OR five (5) years of work experience in the performance of fact finding analyses and investigative research and reporting, OR
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in the Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, Human Resources or a directly related field, plus three (3) years of work experience in the conduct of investigations of criminal or fraudulent activity OR three (3) years of work experience in the performance of fact finding analyses and investigative research and reporting, OR
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree or higher in the Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, Human Resources or a directly related field, plus two (2) years of work experience in the conduct of investigations of criminal or fraudulent activity OR two (2) years of work experience in the performance of fact finding analyses and investigative research and reporting
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
- A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required
- Availability to work and duty watch is required
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the interview will be selected.
The Chicago Fire Department may request that successful candidates pass a drug screen and background investigation. Persons offered employment must pass all pre-employment exams prior to appointment.
For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at: City of Chicago :: Classification and Pay Plan
APPLICATION EVALUATION:
Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor
Job Posting
: Sep 15, 2026, 10:40:57 AM
Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External
: Sep 29, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
BU: 10
Salary: $85,548
Pay Basis
: Yearly
See All 45 Investigator Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Investigator JobsInvestigator Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Investigator Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Allied Universal Compliance and Investigations12
- Northwestern University4
- Ethos3
- The Robison3
- Professional Case Management3
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Insurance
- Technology & Software
- Government & Public Sector
- Banking & Financial Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in investigator jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois Private Detective license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a closely related field
- Prior experience in law enforcement, insurance claims, compliance, or a related investigative role
- Strong written reporting skills with demonstrated ability to document findings clearly and concisely
- Proficiency with case management software, databases, and digital research tools
- Valid Illinois driver's license and willingness to conduct fieldwork across assigned territories
Investigator Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a investigator in Illinois?
To work as a private investigator in Illinois, you must obtain a Private Detective license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Applicants generally need a combination of relevant education, such as a degree in criminal justice or a related field, and qualifying work experience in law enforcement, military service, or investigation. You must pass a written examination and meet background check requirements before the license is issued.
Which companies hire investigators in Illinois?
Employers hiring investigators in Illinois right now include Allied Universal Compliance and Investigations, Northwestern University, and Ethos, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's large insurance sector, state regulatory agencies, and corporate headquarters concentrated in the Chicago metro make it one of the more active states for investigative hiring across both public and private employers.
Which Illinois cities have the most investigator jobs?
Chicago, Joliet, and Waukegan are the Illinois cities with the most investigator openings. Chicago dominates because of its concentration of insurance carriers, financial firms, and corporate legal departments, while Springfield draws demand from state government agencies and Peoria's regional insurance and healthcare employers generate consistent investigative hiring outside the main metro.
Are there remote investigator jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Investigator work is heavily field-dependent, so fully remote roles are limited. About 29% of investigator openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in desk-based functions like background screening review, digital fraud analysis, and insurance file auditing rather than active fieldwork.
How can I get hired as a investigator in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a position as a claims representative or compliance associate with a major Illinois insurance carrier such as Allstate or Zurich North America, where internal investigative units often promote from within. Candidates without direct experience gain an edge by completing the Illinois Private Detective exam requirements early, volunteering for background-screening or case-support roles, or lateral-stepping from adjacent positions in law enforcement dispatch, paralegal work, or loss prevention.
Where can I find and apply to investigator jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to investigator jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across employers in insurance, government, finance, and corporate compliance. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and specialty, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 45 Investigator Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Investigator Jobs