Typical Salary

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that, based on 2009 data, a private investigator or detective makes $47,130 annually. This is about $22.66 per hour. Wages for this industry rose by 1.9 percent between 2008 and 2009.
  
  

Range

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics determines the average salary for private investigators and detectives by examining a range of salaries provided through regular surveys. Based on 2009 information, the range for private investigators and detectives is $24,700 to $75,970 annually, or $11.88 to $36.52 per hour. The low figure in the range represents those in the lowest 10th percentile of earners, while the upper figure represents those in the top 90th percentile.
  
  

Best Industries for Investigators and Detectives

• Private investigators and detectives seek employment in multiple industries. The best industries in terms of pay include management, scientific and technical consultant services ($90,030), natural gas distributors ($83,080), computer systems and design and related services ($79,380), architecture, engineering and related services ($77,780) and other telecommunications ($74,800). Wages for self-employed private investigators and detectives may be higher, because self-employed private investigators can set their own fees and decide how many clients they wish to accept. However, the BLS does not provide a separate figure for self-employed professionals in this industry.
  
  

Average Pay by State

• Private investigators and detectives earn different wages depending on the geographical location in which they work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that, according to 2009 information, the best average pay for these professionals is in Virginia ($68,420), New Mexico ($64,730), New Jersey ($61,750), Alabama ($59,650) and Delaware ($59,430). Working in these states earns a private investigator or detective an additional 26 to 45 percent when compared to the industry average salary. Additional information for each state in the union is available through the BLS customized tables feature on the private investigators and detectives wage page.