Private Detectives and Investigators Salary Trend (2011–2024)
Historical salary and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Median Salary in 2024
$52,370
↑ 19.8% since 2011
Median Salary Over Time
Private Detectives and Investigators — Median Annual Salary
Employment Over Time
Private Detectives and Investigators — Total Employment
Key Insights
📈Salaries grew 19.8% since 2011 ($43,710 → $52,370)
🏆Peak year: 2021 at $59,380
🦠COVID impact: Salary rose 5.6% from 2019 to 2020, likely reflecting workforce composition changes.
💰After inflation (~3%/yr), real growth is approximately -18%
Year-by-Year Salary Data
| Year | Median Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $52,370 | +5.7% |
| 2023 | $49,540 | -5.0% |
| 2022 | $52,120 | -12.2% |
| 2021 | $59,380 | +11.4% |
| 2020 | $53,320 | +5.6% |
| 2019 | $50,510 | +0.8% |
| 2018 | $50,090 | -1.2% |
| 2017 | $50,700 | +5.2% |
| 2016 | $48,190 | +5.7% |
| 2015 | $45,610 | +2.3% |
| 2014 | $44,570 | -3.6% |
| 2013 | $46,250 | +1.1% |
| 2012 | $45,740 | +4.6% |
| 2011 | $43,710 | — |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2011–2024. All figures are annual median wages in nominal dollars.