If you search online for the cost of hiring a private investigator, you'll usually see vague answers like "$80 to $200 per hour." The reality is far more nuanced.
After 16 years running surveillance operations across the east coast, I've learned that the true cost of surveillance depends on the complexity of the job, how long it takes to capture useful evidence, and how predictable the subject's behaviour is.
In this article I'll explain what surveillance actually costs in Australia, what you're paying for, a real surveillance case example, the most common misconceptions, and when hiring a private investigator is worth the money.
Typical Cost of Surveillance in Australia.
Most professional investigators charge an hourly rate plus expenses. A typical starting point for surveillance in Australia is $1,500 to $3,000 for a day of surveillance.
This usually covers:
- Investigator time on assignment
- Travel within a reasonable area
- Photo and video evidence
- A written report
Costs can increase if two investigators are required, surveillance runs across multiple days, or long-distance travel is needed. Because surveillance is labour intensive, most operations run 6 to 12 hours per day.
Example Surveillance Pricing.
Our standard surveillance package gives most clients a clean starting point without committing to a full-day investigation.
Initial Surveillance Package, $800 + GST
- 4 hours surveillance
- Professional investigator on the ground
- Real-time updates via phone or text
- 1.5 hours travel included
- 100 km travel included
Additional time after the initial 4 hours is billed at $120 + GST per hour.
Optional add-ons:
- Written report with photographic timeline: $120 + GST
- Video footage download: $120 + GST
This structure lets clients start with a short surveillance window and expand the investigation if necessary, rather than committing to a full-day rate up front.
Real Surveillance Case Example.
One example involved a client called Susan who suspected her husband was meeting someone after work. He had been coming home late and claiming he was dealing with work deadlines.
We assigned an investigator to follow him after work. Within a few hours the investigator observed the subject entering a bar in Sydney where he met a young woman. They spent over an hour drinking and flirting together while the investigator discreetly blended into the crowd. Photo and video evidence were captured and sent to Susan in real time.
The entire operation took three hours, costing approximately $770.
After receiving the evidence, Susan confronted her husband and the couple began addressing the trust issues in their relationship. For Susan, the value of surveillance wasn't about the footage itself. It was about getting clarity so she could make an informed decision.
What People Usually Hire Private Investigators For.
From my experience running surveillance jobs across Australia, most cases fall into four categories:
- Infidelity investigations: 40%
- Workers compensation and insurance fraud: 20%
- Corporate investigations: 20%
- Child custody matters: 20%
Each type of case has different surveillance challenges and timelines. For example, workers compensation investigations often require longer surveillance periods because the subject may only engage in physical activity occasionally.
The Biggest Misconceptions About Surveillance Costs.
After 16 years in the industry, the biggest misunderstandings about surveillance costs usually come down to how unpredictable the work is.
1. "It should only take an hour or two."
Many people imagine surveillance as a short task. In reality, investigators often start before the subject leaves home and may follow them for an entire day. Most of the time is spent waiting, maintaining position, and ensuring the subject isn't aware they are being observed.
2. "You'll definitely get the evidence in one day."
Surveillance depends entirely on human behaviour. A cheating partner may not meet someone that day. An insurance claimant might stay home.
Investigators can create the opportunity to capture evidence but they cannot control when the activity occurs.
3. "Why do you need two investigators?"
Two investigators significantly increase the success rate of surveillance operations. They allow us to:
- Rotate vehicles during mobile surveillance
- Avoid detection
- Cover multiple exits
- Maintain surveillance if one investigator loses sight of the subject
It increases hourly cost but it often saves time and improves the likelihood of capturing usable evidence.
When Surveillance Is Worth the Money.
Surveillance is most valuable when the evidence can directly influence an outcome. It is particularly useful for:
- Workers compensation and insurance fraud investigations
- Family law and custody matters
- Infidelity investigations when someone needs confirmation
- Situations involving financial or lifestyle discrepancies
In these cases, even a few minutes of footage can have significant legal or personal consequences.
When You Should Not Hire a Private Investigator.
There are situations where surveillance may not be worthwhile. For example:
- You have very little information about the subject's routine, paired with a very limited budget
- You expect guaranteed results in a couple of hours
- The goal is revenge rather than evidence
- The person is involved in any illegal activity with dangerous groups or organisations
A professional investigator should be honest if the situation does not justify the cost. If we don't think a surveillance investigation will give you what you need, we will tell you on the first call.
How to Choose the Right Private Investigator.
Proper licensing.
In Australia, investigators must hold a valid security licence in the state where they operate. Ask for the licence number on your first call.
Surveillance experience.
Surveillance is a specialised skill that improves with experience. A general investigations background is not the same thing as years on the ground following moving subjects.
Clear communication.
A professional investigator should explain hourly rates, expenses, how updates are provided, and what reports or footage you will receive. If any of that is vague on the first call, that's your answer.
Personality fit.
This is more important than people expect. You should feel comfortable talking to your investigator. Calm, empathic, not abrupt, not salesy. From a personality point of view, you should like them.
Realistic expectations.
Investigators should never promise guaranteed results. Anyone who does is either inexperienced or willing to oversell the work to win the engagement.
Final Advice From 16 Years of Surveillance Work.
Before hiring a private investigator, ask yourself one question:
If I get the answer I'm looking for, what will I do with that information?
If the evidence will help you make an important legal, financial, or personal decision, surveillance can be extremely valuable. But if you're unsure what you would do with the information, it's worth thinking carefully before investing the money.
If you'd like to talk through whether a surveillance investigation is the right next step for your situation, the first conversation with Stirling Investigations is confidential and obligation-free. See our surveillance service details or call us directly.
