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Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in District of Columbia
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in District of Columbia?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$72,720
Median Annual Salary
$88,260
Mean Salary
$72,720
Median Salary
$34.96
Hourly Rate
Private Detectives and Investigators salary by percentile in District of Columbia
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Private Detectives and Investigators in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $72,720 per year ($6,060/month).
This is 40.1% above the national average of $51,911.
District of Columbia ranks #3 out of 49 states for Private Detectives and Investigators pay.
About This Job: Private Detectives and Investigators
Gather, analyze, compile, and report information regarding individuals or organizations to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment.
Top Skills
Active Listening
4.12
Speaking
4.0
Reading Comprehension
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.88
Complex Problem Solving
3.75
Key Knowledge Areas
English Language
4.21
Customer and Personal Service
4.16
Law and Government
4.02
Computers and Electronics
3.56
Administrative
3.55
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(37.7% of workers)
Salary Range: Private Detectives and Investigators in District of Columbia
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in District of Columbia range from $45,790 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $156,670 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $46,330 and $107,920.
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in District of Columbia is $72,720 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $88,260.
What is the salary range for a Private Detectives and Investigators in District of Columbia?
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in District of Columbia range from $45,790 at the 10th percentile to $156,670 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $46,330 and $107,920.
What is the starting salary for a Private Detectives and Investigators in District of Columbia?
Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators positions in District of Columbia typically start around $45,790 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $46,330 (25th percentile).
What is the hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in District of Columbia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in District of Columbia is approximately $34.96 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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