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Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Kentucky

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in Kentucky?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$47,650
Median Annual Salary
▼ -1.0% vs 2024
$51,130
Mean Salary
$47,650
Median Salary
$22.91
Hourly Rate
350 people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in Kentucky

Private Detectives and Investigators salary by percentile in Kentucky

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Kentucky — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in Kentucky.10thBottom 10% earn less than $37,340$37,34025th25% earn less than $40,220$40,220MedianHalf earn more than $47,650$47,65075th75% earn less than $56,080$56,08090thTop 10% earn more than $70,150$70,150

Private Detectives and Investigators in Kentucky earn a median salary of $47,650 per year ($3,970/month). This is 8.2% below the national average of $51,911. Kentucky ranks #31 out of 49 states for Private Detectives and Investigators pay. Approximately 350 people work in this occupation across Kentucky. Salaries decreased by 1.0% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Private Detectives and Investigators in Kentucky

Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in Kentucky range from $37,340 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $70,150 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $40,220 and $56,080.

Median $47,650
P10: $37,340 P25: $40,220 P75: $56,080 P90: $70,150
10th
$37,340
25th
$40,220
Median
$47,650
75th
$56,080
90th
$70,150
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $37,340 $17.95 $3,111
25th Percentile $40,220 $19.34 $3,351
Median (50th) $47,650 $22.91 $3,970
75th Percentile $56,080 $26.96 $4,673
90th Percentile (Experienced) $70,150 $33.73 $5,845

Note: The mean (average) salary of $51,130 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#31
Kentucky ranks #31 of 49 states
$51,911
National avg. for Private Detectives and Investigators
-8.2%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Kentucky:

What does this salary really buy? See Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Kentucky adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Private Detectives and Investigators take-home pay in Kentucky after taxes →

Explore Private Detectives and Investigators Data in Kentucky

Private Detectives and Investigators Salary by State

Compare Private Detectives and Investigators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in Kentucky is $47,650 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $51,130.
What is the salary range for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Kentucky?
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in Kentucky range from $37,340 at the 10th percentile to $70,150 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $40,220 and $56,080.
What is the starting salary for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Kentucky?
Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators positions in Kentucky typically start around $37,340 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $40,220 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 350 people are employed as Private Detectives and Investigators in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Kentucky is approximately $22.91 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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