Private detectives and investigators Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Private detectives and investigators in the United States is $51,220 per year — about $25 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $40,700 and $73,990 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Private detectives and investigators
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $99,680 |
| Salem, OR | $81,070 |
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT | $76,630 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $73,430 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $77,540 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $78,330 |
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | $70,190 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $70,220 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $75,670 |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH | $70,780 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Private detectives and investigators make in the US?
The median salary is $51,220 per year (about $25 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $40,700 and $73,990 a year.
How much do Private detectives and investigators make per hour?
About $25 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $51,220 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Private detectives and investigators?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
View Private detectives and investigators jobs
Browse open positions in this career — remote and on-site roles available.
Find Private detectives and investigators jobs →