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Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in West Virginia

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in West Virginia?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$46,410
Median Annual Salary
▼ -0.9% vs 2024
$49,600
Mean Salary
$46,410
Median Salary
$22.31
Hourly Rate
170 people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia

Private Detectives and Investigators salary by percentile in West Virginia

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

Private Detectives and Investigators salary in West Virginia — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia.10thBottom 10% earn less than $35,990$35,99025th25% earn less than $37,060$37,060MedianHalf earn more than $46,410$46,41075th75% earn less than $60,740$60,74090thTop 10% earn more than $78,560$78,560

Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia earn a median salary of $46,410 per year ($3,867/month). This is 10.6% below the national average of $51,911. West Virginia ranks #35 out of 49 states for Private Detectives and Investigators pay. Approximately 170 people work in this occupation across West Virginia. Salaries decreased by 0.9% 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 West Virginia

Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia range from $35,990 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $78,560 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $37,060 and $60,740.

Median $46,410
P10: $35,990 P25: $37,060 P75: $60,740 P90: $78,560
10th
$35,990
25th
$37,060
Median
$46,410
75th
$60,740
90th
$78,560
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $35,990 $17.30 $2,999
25th Percentile $37,060 $17.82 $3,088
Median (50th) $46,410 $22.31 $3,867
75th Percentile $60,740 $29.20 $5,061
90th Percentile (Experienced) $78,560 $37.77 $6,546

Note: The mean (average) salary of $49,600 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#35
West Virginia ranks #35 of 49 states
$51,911
National avg. for Private Detectives and Investigators
-10.6%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in West Virginia:

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

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

Explore Private Detectives and Investigators Data in West Virginia

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 West Virginia?
The median annual salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia is $46,410 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $49,600.
What is the salary range for a Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia?
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia range from $35,990 at the 10th percentile to $78,560 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $37,060 and $60,740.
What is the starting salary for a Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia?
Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators positions in West Virginia typically start around $35,990 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $37,060 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 170 people are employed as Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia.
What is the hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in West Virginia is approximately $22.31 per hour.

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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

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