Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in New Jersey

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in New Jersey?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$54,710
Median Annual Salary
▲ +6.2% vs 2024
$66,160
Mean Salary
$54,710
Median Salary
$26.30
Hourly Rate
410 people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in New Jersey

Private Detectives and Investigators salary by percentile in New Jersey

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

Private Detectives and Investigators salary in New Jersey — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in New Jersey.10thBottom 10% earn less than $39,980$39,98025th25% earn less than $42,890$42,890MedianHalf earn more than $54,710$54,71075th75% earn less than $91,990$91,99090thTop 10% earn more than $103,750$103,750

Private Detectives and Investigators in New Jersey earn a median salary of $54,710 per year ($4,559/month). This is 5.4% above the national average of $51,911. New Jersey ranks #15 out of 49 states for Private Detectives and Investigators pay. Approximately 410 people work in this occupation across New Jersey. Salaries increased by 6.2% 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 New Jersey

Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in New Jersey range from $39,980 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $103,750 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $42,890 and $91,990.

Median $54,710
P10: $39,980 P25: $42,890 P75: $91,990 P90: $103,750
10th
$39,980
25th
$42,890
Median
$54,710
75th
$91,990
90th
$103,750
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $39,980 $19.22 $3,331
25th Percentile $42,890 $20.62 $3,574
Median (50th) $54,710 $26.30 $4,559
75th Percentile $91,990 $44.23 $7,665
90th Percentile (Experienced) $103,750 $49.88 $8,645

Note: The mean (average) salary of $66,160 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#15
New Jersey ranks #15 of 49 states
$51,911
National avg. for Private Detectives and Investigators
+5.4%
vs. national average
Above Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in New Jersey:

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

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

Explore Private Detectives and Investigators Data in New Jersey

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 New Jersey?
The median annual salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in New Jersey is $54,710 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $66,160.
What is the salary range for a Private Detectives and Investigators in New Jersey?
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in New Jersey range from $39,980 at the 10th percentile to $103,750 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $42,890 and $91,990.
What is the starting salary for a Private Detectives and Investigators in New Jersey?
Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators positions in New Jersey typically start around $39,980 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $42,890 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in New Jersey?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 410 people are employed as Private Detectives and Investigators in New Jersey.
What is the hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in New Jersey?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in New Jersey is approximately $26.30 per hour.

💼 Earning $54,710/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

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

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn