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Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in South Carolina
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in South Carolina?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$51,530
Median Annual Salary
▼
-4.4% vs 2024
$58,980
Mean Salary
$51,530
Median Salary
$24.77
Hourly Rate
620 people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in South Carolina
Private Detectives and Investigators salary by percentile in South Carolina
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Private Detectives and Investigators in South Carolina earn a median salary of $51,530 per year ($4,294/month).
This is 0.7% below the national average of $51,911.
South Carolina ranks #22 out of 49 states for Private Detectives and Investigators pay.
Approximately 620 people work in this occupation across South Carolina.
Salaries decreased by 4.4% 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 South Carolina
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in South Carolina range from $37,000 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $93,740 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $40,140 and $73,430.
Median $51,530
P10: $37,000P25: $40,140P75: $73,430P90: $93,740
10th
$37,000
25th
$40,140
Median
$51,530
75th
$73,430
90th
$93,740
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$37,000
$17.79
$3,083
25th Percentile
$40,140
$19.30
$3,345
Median (50th)
$51,530
$24.77
$4,294
75th Percentile
$73,430
$35.30
$6,119
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$93,740
$45.07
$7,811
Note: The mean (average) salary of $58,980 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#22
South Carolina ranks #22 of 49 states
$51,911
National avg. for Private Detectives and Investigators
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in South Carolina is $51,530 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $58,980.
What is the salary range for a Private Detectives and Investigators in South Carolina?
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in South Carolina range from $37,000 at the 10th percentile to $93,740 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $40,140 and $73,430.
What is the starting salary for a Private Detectives and Investigators in South Carolina?
Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators positions in South Carolina typically start around $37,000 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $40,140 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in South Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 620 people are employed as Private Detectives and Investigators in South Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in South Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in South Carolina is approximately $24.77 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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