Private detectives and investigators
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$52,370
~$25/hr · ~$4,364/mo
US Jobs
44K
Faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
6/10
Moderate
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate 6/10
The occupation is a hybrid of digital research and physical field work. AI significantly enhances the digital aspects—such as background checks, social media analysis, and report writing—making investigators much more productive, but the core requirements of physical surveillance, in-person interviews, and undercover store work provide a substantial barrier to full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MOBEST VALUE | $68,330 | Below avg (87.4) | $78,160 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $80,060 | Average (102.7) | $77,939 |
| Salem, OR | $79,550 | Average (102.5) | $77,641 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $74,720 | Average (97.3) | $76,775 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $77,680 | Average (102.5) | $75,796 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $79,110 | Above avg (106.7) | $74,133 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $76,730 | Above avg (104.3) | $73,565 |
| Syracuse, NY | $69,120 | Below avg (95.7) | $72,213 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $75,230 | Above avg (104.7) | $71,869 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $73,530 | Above avg (103.3) | $71,186 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area | $73,530 | Above avg (107.0) | $68,713 |
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | $67,520 | Average (100.8) | $67,015 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $62,600 | Below avg (93.6) | $66,861 |
| Tyler, TX | $60,450 | Below avg (93.0) | $65,024 |
| Richmond, VA | $63,580 | Average (98.3) | $64,655 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
10-Year Growth
+6% (Faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$25/hr
Monthly Income
~$4,364/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)