Hiring a private investigator (PI) in North Carolina is often a decision someone makes when the truth really matters whether it’s uncovering infidelity, resolving a child custody dispute, locating a missing person, or supporting a legal case.
One of the first questions clients ask is:
“How much does it cost to hire a private investigator in North Carolina?”
The cost depends on the type of investigation, the location, the time involved, and the expertise of the investigator. We recommend finding a Licensed Investigator with experience and results that back them up. Below, we provide a complete breakdown so you know exactly what to expect before hiring a PI.
Average Private Investigator Costs in North Carolina
In North Carolina, PI rates generally fall into three categories:
Hourly Rates: $75 – $150 per hour
Flat Fees: $500 – $3,000 for defined services (e.g., background checks, bug sweeps)
Retainers: $1,000 – $5,000 depending on the complexity of the case
These rates are competitive with national averages but can vary by city, experience and scope of the work. For example, private investigator costs in Charlotte and Raleigh may trend slightly higher than smaller towns like Wilson or Greenville due to higher demand and travel considerations.
Cost by Type of Investigation in North Carolina
Here’s a breakdown of common investigation services and their typical costs in North Carolina:
| Investigation Type | Average NC Cost | Details |
| Infidelity / Adultery Investigations | $1,000 – $3,000 | Requires surveillance, documentation, photos, often multiple days. |
| Child Custody Investigations | $1,500 – $4,000 | May involve video evidence, cohabitation checks, and background research. |
| Background Checks | $100 – $500 | Quick turnaround, flat-rate pricing. |
| Hidden Asset Searches | $500 – $2,500 | Used in divorce or debt recovery cases. |
| Surveillance Operations | $75 – $150/hr | Commonly billed hourly with minimums. |
| Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (Bug Sweeps) | $1,500 – $5,000 | Specialized equipment; higher rates for corporate cases. |
| Missing Persons & Locates | $500 – $2,500 | Flat fee or hourly depending on scope. |
| Litigation Support / Attorney Services | $1,000+ | Court-ready documentation and expert testimony. |
Factors That Affect Private Investigator Costs
Several factors influence what you’ll pay in North Carolina:
Type of Case
Domestic cases (infidelity, custody) often require long hours of surveillance. Corporate fraud or background checks may cost less due to efficiency.
Location
Costs are higher in Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Wilmington than in rural NC due to travel, lodging, and higher demand.
Experience & Reputation
Investigators with law enforcement or military backgrounds often charge more but deliver stronger, court-admissible results.
Time Commitment
Surveillance-heavy cases may take days or weeks. 00Flat-fee services like background checks can be completed in 24–48 hours.
Technology & Resources
Advanced equipment (drones, GPS trackers, bug detection devices) can add to the cost.
