Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Pennsylvania

$27,900 $90,543
10th pct Median: $52,641 90th pct
Percentile Annual Salary
10th (Entry Level)$27,900
25th Percentile$37,902
50th (Median)$52,641
75th Percentile$72,645
90th (Top Earners)$90,543
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

The Pennsylvania median salary of $52,641 for Private Detectives and Investigators has the purchasing power of approximately $51,761 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).

Pennsylvania's higher cost of living (COL index: 101.7) reduces the real purchasing power of wages compared to lower-cost states.

COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in Pennsylvania?
Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania earn a median annual salary of $52,641 per year ($25.31/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is above the national median of $52,120.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for Private Detectives and Investigators?
Pennsylvania pays above the national average for private detectives and investigators, making it a competitive market for this occupation. Cost of living in Pennsylvania is near the national average (COL index: 101.7).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 101.7 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $52,641 salary in Pennsylvania has the purchasing power of approximately $51,761 in Missouri. Higher living costs in Pennsylvania reduce real purchasing power.
How does Pennsylvania compare to neighboring states for Private Detectives and Investigators salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Private Detectives and Investigators salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.

Top Paying Jobs in Pennsylvania

# Job Title Median Annual
1 Anesthesiologists $335,522
2 Radiologists $313,019
3 Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric $309,282
4 Neurologists $298,556
5 Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric $274,599
6 Psychiatrists $252,296
7 Physicians, Pathologists $246,359
8 General Internal Medicine Physicians $245,773
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

About Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania

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 Required: High school diploma

View national Private Detectives and Investigators salary data →