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Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Pennsylvania
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in Pennsylvania?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$51,200
Median Annual Salary
▬
-0.0% vs 2024
$59,880
Mean Salary
$51,200
Median Salary
$24.62
Hourly Rate
1,220 people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania
Private Detectives and Investigators salary by percentile in Pennsylvania
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $51,200 per year ($4,266/month).
This is 1.4% below the national average of $51,911.
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 49 states for Private Detectives and Investigators pay.
Approximately 1,220 people work in this occupation across Pennsylvania.
Salaries remained stable by 0.0% 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)
Salary Range: Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania range from $38,380 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $91,470 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $44,840 and $71,830.
Median $51,200
P10: $38,380P25: $44,840P75: $71,830P90: $91,470
10th
$38,380
25th
$44,840
Median
$51,200
75th
$71,830
90th
$91,470
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$38,380
$18.45
$3,198
25th Percentile
$44,840
$21.56
$3,736
Median (50th)
$51,200
$24.62
$4,266
75th Percentile
$71,830
$34.53
$5,985
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$91,470
$43.98
$7,622
Note: The mean (average) salary of $59,880 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#23
Pennsylvania ranks #23 of 49 states
$51,911
National avg. for Private Detectives and Investigators
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania is $51,200 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $59,880.
What is the salary range for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania?
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania range from $38,380 at the 10th percentile to $91,470 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $44,840 and $71,830.
What is the starting salary for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators positions in Pennsylvania typically start around $38,380 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $44,840 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,220 people are employed as Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania.
What is the hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania is approximately $24.62 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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