Private Detectives and Investigators Salary (2025)
Based on 35,580 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $36,740 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $40,700 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $51,220 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $73,990 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $97,630 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$37K
25th
$41K
Median
$51K
75th
$74K
90th
$98K
Highest Paying States for Private Detectives and Investigators
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $88,260 |
| Oregon | $74,690 |
| Washington | $71,020 |
| Massachusetts | $70,110 |
| New Hampshire | $69,350 |
| New York | $68,310 |
| California | $67,040 |
| Connecticut | $66,560 |
| Minnesota | $66,510 |
| New Jersey | $66,160 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Private Detectives and Investigators salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is District of Columbia at an average of $88,260 per year, while New Jersey has an average of $66,160 — a difference of $22,100. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Private Detectives and Investigators
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 35,580 workers were employed as Private Detectives and Investigatorss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Protective Service Occupations. The annual mean wage of $60,150 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 33-9021