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Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Wisconsin

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in Wisconsin?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$41,850
Median Annual Salary
▼ -3.1% vs 2024
$50,660
Mean Salary
$41,850
Median Salary
$20.12
Hourly Rate
410 people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in Wisconsin

Private Detectives and Investigators salary by percentile in Wisconsin

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

Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Wisconsin — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in Wisconsin.10thBottom 10% earn less than $37,000$37,00025th25% earn less than $38,580$38,580MedianHalf earn more than $41,850$41,85075th75% earn less than $58,210$58,21090thTop 10% earn more than $76,550$76,550

Private Detectives and Investigators in Wisconsin earn a median salary of $41,850 per year ($3,487/month). This is 19.4% below the national average of $51,911. Wisconsin ranks #43 out of 49 states for Private Detectives and Investigators pay. Approximately 410 people work in this occupation across Wisconsin. Salaries decreased by 3.1% 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 Wisconsin

Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in Wisconsin range from $37,000 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $76,550 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $38,580 and $58,210.

Median $41,850
P10: $37,000 P25: $38,580 P75: $58,210 P90: $76,550
10th
$37,000
25th
$38,580
Median
$41,850
75th
$58,210
90th
$76,550
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $37,000 $17.79 $3,083
25th Percentile $38,580 $18.55 $3,215
Median (50th) $41,850 $20.12 $3,487
75th Percentile $58,210 $27.99 $4,850
90th Percentile (Experienced) $76,550 $36.80 $6,379

Note: The mean (average) salary of $50,660 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#43
Wisconsin ranks #43 of 49 states
$51,911
National avg. for Private Detectives and Investigators
-19.4%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Wisconsin:

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

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

Explore Private Detectives and Investigators Data in Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in Wisconsin is $41,850 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $50,660.
What is the salary range for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Wisconsin?
Salaries for Private Detectives and Investigators in Wisconsin range from $37,000 at the 10th percentile to $76,550 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $38,580 and $58,210.
What is the starting salary for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Wisconsin?
Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators positions in Wisconsin typically start around $37,000 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $38,580 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Private Detectives and Investigators in Wisconsin?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 410 people are employed as Private Detectives and Investigators in Wisconsin.
What is the hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Wisconsin?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Wisconsin is approximately $20.12 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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