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Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Washington
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in Washington?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$64,080
Median Annual Salary
▼
-2.0% vs 2024
$71,020
Mean Salary
$64,080
Median Salary
$30.81
Hourly Rate
750 people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in Washington
Private Detectives and Investigators salary by percentile in Washington
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Private Detectives and Investigators in Washington earn a median salary of $64,080 per year ($5,340/month).
This is 23.4% above the national average of $51,911.
Washington ranks #6 out of 49 states for Private Detectives and Investigators pay.
Approximately 750 people work in this occupation across Washington.
Salaries decreased by 2.0% 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 Washington
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in Washington range from $43,060 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $104,220 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $46,580 and $84,700.
Median $64,080
P10: $43,060P25: $46,580P75: $84,700P90: $104,220
10th
$43,060
25th
$46,580
Median
$64,080
75th
$84,700
90th
$104,220
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$43,060
$20.70
$3,588
25th Percentile
$46,580
$22.39
$3,881
Median (50th)
$64,080
$30.81
$5,340
75th Percentile
$84,700
$40.72
$7,058
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$104,220
$50.11
$8,685
Note: The mean (average) salary of $71,020 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#6
Washington ranks #6 of 49 states
$51,911
National avg. for Private Detectives and Investigators
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in Washington?
The median annual salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in Washington is $64,080 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $71,020.
What is the salary range for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Washington?
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in Washington range from $43,060 at the 10th percentile to $104,220 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $46,580 and $84,700.
What is the starting salary for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Washington?
Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators positions in Washington typically start around $43,060 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $46,580 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in Washington?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 750 people are employed as Private Detectives and Investigators in Washington.
What is the hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Washington?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Washington is approximately $30.81 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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