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Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Illinois
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in Illinois?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$60,210
Median Annual Salary
▼
-17.6% vs 2024
$64,440
Mean Salary
$60,210
Median Salary
$28.95
Hourly Rate
1,300 people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in Illinois
Private Detectives and Investigators salary by percentile in Illinois
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Private Detectives and Investigators in Illinois earn a median salary of $60,210 per year ($5,017/month).
This is 16.0% above the national average of $51,911.
Illinois ranks #9 out of 49 states for Private Detectives and Investigators pay.
Approximately 1,300 people work in this occupation across Illinois.
Salaries decreased by 17.6% compared to 2024.
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 Illinois
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in Illinois range from $38,920 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $97,780 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $44,380 and $79,140.
Median $60,210
P10: $38,920P25: $44,380P75: $79,140P90: $97,780
10th
$38,920
25th
$44,380
Median
$60,210
75th
$79,140
90th
$97,780
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$38,920
$18.71
$3,243
25th Percentile
$44,380
$21.34
$3,698
Median (50th)
$60,210
$28.95
$5,017
75th Percentile
$79,140
$38.05
$6,595
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$97,780
$47.01
$8,148
Note: The mean (average) salary of $64,440 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#9
Illinois ranks #9 of 49 states
$51,911
National avg. for Private Detectives and Investigators
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in Illinois is $60,210 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $64,440.
What is the salary range for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Illinois?
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in Illinois range from $38,920 at the 10th percentile to $97,780 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $44,380 and $79,140.
What is the starting salary for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Illinois?
Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators positions in Illinois typically start around $38,920 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $44,380 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,300 people are employed as Private Detectives and Investigators in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Illinois is approximately $28.95 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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