SOC 33-9021 · National · May 2024 OEWS Data
The national median salary for Private Detectives and Investigators is $52,374 per year ($25.18/hr) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2024. The middle 50% of earners make between $41,933 and $75,317 annually. Top earners at the 90th percentile reach $98,779 per year. There are approximately 38,700 private detectives and investigators employed in the United States.
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| P10 | $17.91 | $37,253 |
| P25 | $20.16 | $41,933 |
| P50MEDIAN | $25.18 | $52,374 |
| P75 | $36.21 | $75,317 |
| P90 | $47.49 | $98,779 |
The overall labor market contracted slightly in February: 5.0M separations vs 4.8M hires. Hiring rate hit 3.1%, the lowest since April 2020. The "Great Stay" persists with quits at 1.9% for 8 consecutive months.
The national median salary for Private Detectives and Investigators is $52,374 per year ($25.18/hr) according to BLS OEWS May 2024 data. The middle 50% earn between $41,933 and $75,317 annually.
The 90th percentile salary for Private Detectives and Investigators is $98,779 per year ($47.49/hr). The 75th percentile is $75,317 per year.
Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators (10th percentile) earn approximately $37,253 per year ($17.91/hr). The 25th percentile is $41,933 per year.
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