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Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in New York
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in New York?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$59,140
Median Annual Salary
▼
-1.2% vs 2024
$68,310
Mean Salary
$59,140
Median Salary
$28.43
Hourly Rate
1,300 people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in New York
Private Detectives and Investigators salary by percentile in New York
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Private Detectives and Investigators in New York earn a median salary of $59,140 per year ($4,928/month).
This is 13.9% above the national average of $51,911.
New York ranks #10 out of 49 states for Private Detectives and Investigators pay.
Approximately 1,300 people work in this occupation across New York.
Salaries decreased by 1.2% 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)
Salary Range: Private Detectives and Investigators in New York
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in New York range from $40,940 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $103,610 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $45,970 and $80,910.
Median $59,140
P10: $40,940P25: $45,970P75: $80,910P90: $103,610
10th
$40,940
25th
$45,970
Median
$59,140
75th
$80,910
90th
$103,610
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$40,940
$19.68
$3,411
25th Percentile
$45,970
$22.10
$3,830
Median (50th)
$59,140
$28.43
$4,928
75th Percentile
$80,910
$38.90
$6,742
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$103,610
$49.81
$8,634
Note: The mean (average) salary of $68,310 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#10
New York ranks #10 of 49 states
$51,911
National avg. for Private Detectives and Investigators
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in New York?
The median annual salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in New York is $59,140 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $68,310.
What is the salary range for a Private Detectives and Investigators in New York?
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in New York range from $40,940 at the 10th percentile to $103,610 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $45,970 and $80,910.
What is the starting salary for a Private Detectives and Investigators in New York?
Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators positions in New York typically start around $40,940 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $45,970 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in New York?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,300 people are employed as Private Detectives and Investigators in New York.
What is the hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in New York?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in New York is approximately $28.43 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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