Private Detectives and Investigators Salary — US State Breakdown (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · Last updated: 2026-09-02
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 33-9021As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
US Salary Overview
The national median wage for private detectives and investigators in the United States is $51,220 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 36,000 people are employed in this occupation nationally. UK data is not available for this occupation — the UK's SOC 2020 classification has no direct equivalent. Signing an offer? Employment contract templates at LawDepot cover offer letters, NDAs and employment agreements.
US Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $36,740 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $40,700 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $51,220 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $73,990 | Experienced |
| 90th | $97,630 | Senior / highest decile |
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Start $1 Trial →Median Salary by State
| State | Median salary | Mean salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $76,480 | $74,690 | 610 |
| Connecticut | $75,010 | $66,560 | 400 |
| District of Columbia | $72,720 | $88,260 | — |
| Vermont | $67,910 | $63,670 | 90 |
| New Hampshire | $65,370 | $69,350 | 280 |
| Washington | $64,080 | $71,020 | 750 |
| California | $61,250 | $67,040 | 4,000 |
| Arizona | $61,030 | $62,410 | 790 |
| Illinois | $60,210 | $64,440 | 1,000 |
| New York | $59,140 | $68,310 | 1,000 |
| Utah | $57,910 | $59,830 | 350 |
| Minnesota | $57,880 | $66,510 | 600 |
| Virginia | $56,160 | $61,940 | 1,000 |
| Delaware | $55,710 | $59,230 | 110 |
| New Jersey | $54,710 | $66,160 | 410 |
| Rhode Island | $54,620 | $60,960 | 60 |
| Wyoming | $54,310 | $58,800 | 40 |
| Alaska | $53,440 | $62,190 | 70 |
| North Carolina | $52,890 | $61,350 | 2,000 |
| Texas | $51,810 | $58,670 | 3,000 |
| Nebraska | $51,750 | $58,140 | 160 |
| South Carolina | $51,530 | $58,980 | 620 |
| Pennsylvania | $51,200 | $59,880 | 1,000 |
| Florida | $50,640 | $55,820 | 4,000 |
| Massachusetts | $50,240 | $70,110 | 280 |
| Tennessee | $49,360 | $63,810 | 940 |
| Colorado | $48,730 | $58,910 | 540 |
| Michigan | $48,650 | $53,850 | 850 |
| Idaho | $47,910 | $54,530 | 210 |
| Arkansas | $47,750 | $57,940 | 370 |
| Kentucky | $47,650 | $51,130 | 350 |
| Montana | $47,430 | $52,540 | 70 |
| Ohio | $47,200 | $56,980 | 2,000 |
| Alabama | $46,810 | $48,750 | 530 |
| West Virginia | $46,410 | $49,600 | 170 |
| Hawaii | $45,750 | $54,920 | 70 |
| Kansas | $45,260 | $50,220 | 280 |
| Georgia | $45,060 | $54,730 | 1,000 |
| South Dakota | $44,840 | $44,210 | 60 |
| North Dakota | $44,310 | $47,230 | 60 |
| Maine | $43,830 | $48,590 | 210 |
| Puerto Rico | $42,190 | $37,480 | 120 |
| Louisiana | $41,950 | $46,110 | 860 |
| Wisconsin | $41,850 | $50,660 | 410 |
| Indiana | $41,830 | $49,080 | 480 |
| Missouri | $41,600 | $48,150 | 590 |
| New Mexico | $41,600 | $49,550 | — |
| Iowa | $41,110 | $48,190 | 170 |
| Oklahoma | $39,680 | $46,450 | 370 |
| Mississippi | $39,060 | $46,370 | 330 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a private detectives and investigators in the US?
The US national median wage for private detectives and investigators is $51,220 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
What is the pay range for private detectives and investigators in the US?
Pay ranges from $36,740 at the 10th percentile to $97,630 at the 90th percentile. This difference typically reflects experience level, employer size, and location.
Which US states pay private detectives and investigators the most?
The highest-paying states for private detectives and investigators include Oregon ($76,480), Connecticut ($75,010), District of Columbia ($72,720). Pay varies by state due to cost of living, local demand and industry concentration.
How much does private detectives and investigators salary vary by state?
The gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states is significant — Oregon ($76,480) pays roughly 96% more than Mississippi ($39,060). Check the state breakdown above for the exact figure in your location.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-09-02