Average salary, compensation, and wages for Private detectives and investigators in the United StatesMedian annual earnings of salaried private detectives and investigators were $29,300 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $21,980 and $41,710. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,290, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $57,370. In 2002, median annual earnings were $29,030 in investigation and security services, and $22,250 in department stores. Earnings of private detectives and investigators vary greatly depending on their employer, specialty, and the geographic area in which they work. According to a study by Abbott, Langer & Associates, security/loss prevention directors and vice presidents had a median income of $77,500 per year in 2002; investigators, $39,800; and store detectives, $25,000. In addition to typical benefits, most corporate investigators received profit-sharing plans. More information on Private detectives and investigators from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Private detectives and investigators occupation Number of Private detectives and investigators in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Private detectives and investigators Working conditions for Private detectives and investigators Significant points for Private detectives and investigators Training requirements for Private detectives and investigators Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |