Private detectives and investigators conduct surveillance, gather evidence, and uncover information for clients in a confidential and discreet manner.
This article will explore the best states for private detectives and investigators, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.
- 1. Oregon ($70,640)
- 2. New York ($69,260)
- 3. Virginia ($68,340)
- 4. New Hampshire ($67,960)
- 5. Washington ($67,490)
- 6. West Virginia ($67,340)
- 7. Illinois ($66,540)
- 8. Colorado ($66,360)
- 9. Connecticut ($66,350)
- 10. Hawaii ($66,320)
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- The highest-paid private detectives and investigators are in Oregon, where they earn an average of $70,640 per year.
- The lowest-paid private detectives and investigators are in Puerto Rico, where they earn an average of $37,020 per year.
- The U.S. average salary for private detectives and investigators is $56,946 per year.
1. Oregon ($70,640)
Private Detectives and Investigators in Oregon earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
private detectives and investigators in Oregon is
$70,640, which is +24% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $70,640 |
| 10th Percentile | $37,440 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $108,070 |
2. New York ($69,260)
Private Detectives and Investigators in New York earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
private detectives and investigators in New York is
$69,260, which is +22% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $69,260 |
| 10th Percentile | $35,370 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,830 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,450 |
| 90th Percentile | $129,680 |
3. Virginia ($68,340)
Private Detectives and Investigators in Virginia earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
private detectives and investigators in Virginia is
$68,340, which is +20% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $68,340 |
| 10th Percentile | $33,280 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,460 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $107,200 |
4. New Hampshire ($67,960)
Private Detectives and Investigators in New Hampshire earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
private detectives and investigators in New Hampshire is
$67,960, which is +19% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $67,960 |
| 10th Percentile | $38,020 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,200 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,340 |
| 90th Percentile | $102,650 |
5. Washington ($67,490)
Private Detectives and Investigators in Washington earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
private detectives and investigators in Washington is
$67,490, which is +19% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $67,490 |
| 10th Percentile | $38,170 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,600 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $105,290 |
6. West Virginia ($67,340)
Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
private detectives and investigators in West Virginia is
$67,340, which is +18% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $67,340 |
| 10th Percentile | $37,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,340 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $101,480 |
7. Illinois ($66,540)
Private Detectives and Investigators in Illinois earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
private detectives and investigators in Illinois is
$66,540, which is +17% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $66,540 |
| 10th Percentile | $38,030 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,610 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $95,010 |
8. Colorado ($66,360)
Private Detectives and Investigators in Colorado earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
private detectives and investigators in Colorado is
$66,360, which is +17% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $66,360 |
| 10th Percentile | $34,530 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,520 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $100,890 |
9. Connecticut ($66,350)
Private Detectives and Investigators in Connecticut earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
private detectives and investigators in Connecticut is
$66,350, which is +17% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $66,350 |
| 10th Percentile | $36,750 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,270 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $100,320 |
10. Hawaii ($66,320)
Private Detectives and Investigators in Hawaii earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
private detectives and investigators in Hawaii is
$66,320, which is +16% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $66,320 |
| 10th Percentile | $34,580 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,050 |
| 90th Percentile | $118,500 |
Conclusion
The highest-paid private detectives and investigators are in Oregon, where they earn an average of $70,640 per year. The lowest-paid private detectives and investigators are in Puerto Rico, where they earn an average of $37,020 per year. The U.S. average salary for private detectives and investigators is $56,946 per year and there are 31,938 jobs in the field.
