What is the average hourly wage for Private Detectives and Investigators?

The median hourly wage for Private Detectives and Investigators is $25.06 per hour. This translates to approximately $52,120 per year working full-time.

What states pay Private Detectives and Investigators the most?

Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators vary significantly by location. Use the state-by-state table above to see which states offer the highest median wages for this occupation.

What education is needed to become a private detectives and investigator?

Typical education required: High school diploma.

Private Detectives and Investigators Salary

Name: Private Detectives and Investigators Salary Data
Creator: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
License: https://www.bls.gov/bls/linksite.htm

Official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024

Median Annual Salary

$52,120

$25.06 / hour

▲ 3% (Average)

Salary Range

$27,624 - $89,646

10th to 90th percentile

Total Employed

110,190

workers nationally

🏛️ Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | Updated: Annual | Methodology

Private Detectives and Investigators Salary by Percentile

$27,624 $89,646

10th pct Median: $52,120 90th pct

Percentile	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
10th (Entry Level)	$27,624	$13.28
25th Percentile	$37,526	$18.04
50th (Median)	$52,120	$25.06
75th Percentile	$71,926	$34.58
90th (Top Earners)	$89,646	$43.10
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024

Top Paying States for Private Detectives and Investigators

#	State	Median Annual	Median Hourly
1	District of Columbia (DC)	$68,798	$33.08
2	California (CA)	$65,150	$31.32
3	Massachusetts (MA)	$63,586	$30.57
4	New York (NY)	$63,586	$30.57
5	New Jersey (NJ)	$62,544	$30.07
6	Connecticut (CT)	$61,502	$29.57
7	Maryland (MD)	$61,502	$29.57
8	Hawaii (HI)	$59,938	$28.82
9	Alaska (AK)	$58,374	$28.06
10	Washington (WA)	$58,374	$28.06
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

About Private Detectives and Investigators

Private Detectives and Investigators work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the protective service sector of the U.S. economy.

Education Requirements

Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma

Job Outlook for Private Detectives and Investigators

Projected Growth

+3%

2022-2032

▲ 3% (Average)

Annual Job Openings

264,000

projected annually

Outlook data based on BLS Employment Projections program. Growth rate is projected change in employment 2022-2032.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make?

The median annual salary for Private Detectives and Investigators is $52,120 (BLS OEWS May 2024). Entry-level workers earn around $27,624, while the top 10% earn $89,646 or more.

What is the hourly wage for Private Detectives and Investigators?

Private Detectives and Investigators earn a median hourly wage of $25.06 per hour. Working full-time (40 hrs/week, 52 weeks), this equals approximately $52,120 annually.

Is Private Detectives and Investigators a good-paying career?

With a median salary of $52,120, Private Detectives and Investigators represents a viable career path. Job outlook: Average (3% growth, 2022-2032).

What education do Private Detectives and Investigators need?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Requirements vary by employer and specialization - check with specific employers and BLS OOH for detailed requirements.