Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in West Virginia
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - WV
Median Annual Salary in West Virginia
$42,738
$20.55 / hour
▼ 18.0% below national avg
National Median
$52,120
$25.06 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$48,237
Missouri equivalent (COL: 88.6)
Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in West Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $22,651 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,771 |
| 50th (Median) | $42,738 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,978 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $73,509 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
Free: Top 50 Highest Paying Jobs by State
Printable guide - see which jobs pay the most in your state
Check your email! Your free resource is on its way. (Check spam if you don't see it.)
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The West Virginia median salary of $42,738 for Private Detectives and Investigators has the purchasing power of approximately $48,237 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
West Virginia's lower cost of living (COL index: 88.6) means your salary goes further than in higher-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 West Virginia?
Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia earn a median annual salary of $42,738 per year ($20.55/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is below the national median of $52,120.
Is West Virginia a good state for Private Detectives and Investigators?
West Virginia pays slightly below the national average for private detectives and investigators. Cost of living in West Virginia is lower average (COL index: 88.6).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 88.6 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $42,738 salary in West Virginia has the purchasing power of approximately $48,237 in Missouri. Lower living costs in West Virginia increase real purchasing power.
How does West Virginia 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 West Virginia
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $272,404 |
| 2 | Radiologists | $254,134 |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $251,100 |
| 4 | Neurologists | $242,392 |
| 5 | Surgeons, All Other | $241,506 |
| 6 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $222,942 |
| 7 | Psychiatrists | $204,834 |
| 8 | Physicians, Pathologists | $200,014 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia
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 →