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Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Montana

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in Montana?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$47,430
Median Annual Salary
▼ -1.0% vs 2024
$52,540
Mean Salary
$47,430
Median Salary
$22.80
Hourly Rate
70 people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in Montana

Private Detectives and Investigators salary by percentile in Montana

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

Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Montana — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in Montana.10thBottom 10% earn less than $39,900$39,90025th25% earn less than $42,640$42,640MedianHalf earn more than $47,430$47,43075th75% earn less than $55,040$55,04090thTop 10% earn more than $73,190$73,190

Private Detectives and Investigators in Montana earn a median salary of $47,430 per year ($3,952/month). This is 8.6% below the national average of $51,911. Montana ranks #32 out of 49 states for Private Detectives and Investigators pay. Approximately 70 people work in this occupation across Montana. 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 Montana

Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in Montana range from $39,900 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $73,190 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $42,640 and $55,040.

Median $47,430
P10: $39,900 P25: $42,640 P75: $55,040 P90: $73,190
10th
$39,900
25th
$42,640
Median
$47,430
75th
$55,040
90th
$73,190
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $39,900 $19.18 $3,325
25th Percentile $42,640 $20.50 $3,553
Median (50th) $47,430 $22.80 $3,952
75th Percentile $55,040 $26.46 $4,586
90th Percentile (Experienced) $73,190 $35.19 $6,099

Note: The mean (average) salary of $52,540 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#32
Montana ranks #32 of 49 states
$51,911
National avg. for Private Detectives and Investigators
-8.6%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Montana:

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

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

Explore Private Detectives and Investigators Data in Montana

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 Montana?
The median annual salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in Montana is $47,430 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $52,540.
What is the salary range for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Montana?
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in Montana range from $39,900 at the 10th percentile to $73,190 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $42,640 and $55,040.
What is the starting salary for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Montana?
Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators positions in Montana typically start around $39,900 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $42,640 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in Montana?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 70 people are employed as Private Detectives and Investigators in Montana.
What is the hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Montana?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Montana is approximately $22.80 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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