Private Detectives and Investigators

Occupation

$52,370
National Median Salary
$25.18
Median Hourly Wage
38,700
Total Employment

Salary Distribution

$37,250
$41,940
$52,370
$75,310
$98,770

10th percentile → 25th → Median → 75th → 90th percentile

Salary Trend (2014-2024)

+17.5%
10 Year Change
$44,570
2014 Median
$52,370
2024 Median
Best Paying Industries Industry Wage Growth Best Paying States Fastest Growing States Where This Career Pays Above Average

Top Paying Industries for Private Detectives and Investigators

Industry Annual Median Employment
Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences $167,370 30
Scientific Research and Development Services $160,770 40
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods $109,080 30
Insurance Agencies and Brokerages $103,910 170
Direct Insurance (except Life, Health, and Medical) Carriers $99,190 140

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Top Paying States for Private Detectives and Investigators

State Annual Median Employment
Oregon $77,320 480
Maryland $74,360 560
Illinois $73,070 1,770
Minnesota $72,070 940
Connecticut $68,290 400

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Related Occupations

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives First-Line Supervisors of Law Enforcement Workers Detectives and Criminal Investigators First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers Supervisors of Protective Service Workers

Explore Private Detectives and Investigators by State

Oregon Maryland Illinois Minnesota Connecticut Wyoming Vermont Washington Arizona California New York Massachusetts North Carolina Alaska South Carolina

Explore Private Detectives and Investigators by Industry

See how this career performs in specific industries

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences Scientific Research and Development Services Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods Insurance Agencies and Brokerages Direct Insurance (except Life, Health, and Medical) Carriers Transportation Equipment Manufacturing Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing Legal Services Telecommunications Couriers and Express Delivery Services Couriers and Messengers Office Administrative Services