Private Detectives and Investigators Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for private detectives and investigators in the United States was $24.62, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $17.66 |
| 25th | $19.57 |
| Median | $24.62 |
| 75th | $35.57 |
| 90th | $46.94 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do private detectives and investigators make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $24.62; the mean hourly wage is $28.92.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for private detectives and investigators?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $17.66 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for private detectives and investigators?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $46.94 per hour.