Private Detectives and Investigator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Private Detectives and Investigators Make?
Private Detectives and Investigators earn a median annual salary of $52,370 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $37,250 at the 10th percentile to $98,770 at the 90th percentile — a range of $61,520. The highest-paying state is Oregon at $77,320.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,250 |
| 25th percentile | $41,940 |
| Median (50th) | $52,370 |
| 75th percentile | $75,310 |
| 90th percentile | $98,770 |
Private Detectives and Investigator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregontop | $77,320 |
| Maryland | $74,360 |
| Illinois | $73,070 |
| Minnesota | $72,070 |
| Connecticut | $68,290 |
| Wyoming | $67,360 |
| Vermont | $66,070 |
| Washington | $65,370 |
| Arizona | $64,960 |
| California | $60,210 |
| New York | $59,840 |
| Massachusetts | $57,840 |
| North Carolina | $55,190 |
| Alaska | $54,080 |
| South Carolina | $53,890 |
| Nebraska | $52,160 |
| New Hampshire | $51,990 |
| Rhode Island | $51,610 |
| New Jersey | $51,540 |
| Pennsylvania | $51,220 |
| Utah | $51,130 |
| Ohio | $50,060 |
| Colorado | $49,720 |
| Michigan | $49,700 |
| Delaware | $49,400 |
| Maine | $49,360 |
| Florida | $48,880 |
| Virginia | $48,740 |
| Idaho | $48,170 |
| Kentucky | $48,130 |
| Texas | $48,070 |
| Montana | $47,910 |
| Nevada | $47,550 |
| Alabama | $47,180 |
| West Virginia | $46,830 |
| Tennessee | $46,560 |
| North Dakota | $45,710 |
| Indiana | $45,400 |
| Iowa | $45,070 |
| Kansas | $45,020 |
| New Mexico | $44,870 |
| Georgia | $44,590 |
| Hawaii | $44,390 |
| Missouri | $43,780 |
| Louisiana | $43,390 |
| Arkansas | $43,310 |
| Wisconsin | $43,210 |
| Oklahoma | $40,470 |
| Mississippi | $39,460 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Private Detectives and Investigators
Private Detectives and Investigator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$37,250 – $41,940 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$52,370 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$75,310 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $98,770+ |
How to Earn More as a Private Detectives and Investigator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Private Detectives and Investigators in Salem, OR earn $79,550 — $27,180 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($75,310) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Private Detectives and Investigator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Private Detectives and Investigatorthis career | $52,370 |
| Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigator | $76,790 |
| Compliance Officer | $78,420 |
| Government Property Inspectors and Investigator | $78,420 |
| Coroner | $78,420 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
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SOC: 33-9021.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.