Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in New Jersey
Private Detectives and Investigators in New Jersey earn a median annual wage of $54,710 —6.8% above the national median of $51,220. That ranks NJ #15 of 49 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is only 0.42× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in New Jersey.
Highest-paying states for private detectives and investigators
All 49 states ranked by median annual wage. New Jersey is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | $76,480 | $36.77 | 610 | 1.35 |
| 2 | Connecticut | $75,010 | $36.06 | 400 | 1.03 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $72,720 | $34.96 | — | — |
| 4 | Vermont | $67,910 | $32.65 | 90 | 1.28 |
| 5 | New Hampshire | $65,370 | $31.43 | 280 | 1.81 |
| 6 | Washington | $64,080 | $30.81 | 750 | 0.92 |
| 7 | California | $61,250 | $29.45 | 4,190 | 1.01 |
| 8 | Arizona | $61,030 | $29.34 | 790 | 1.07 |
| 9 | Illinois | $60,210 | $28.95 | 1,300 | 0.93 |
| 10 | New York | $59,140 | $28.43 | 1,300 | 0.59 |
Related occupations in New Jersey
Occupations in the same job family, compared within New Jersey.
| Occupation | New Jersey median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guards | $38,880 | $38,020 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $92,610 | $76,210 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $94,770 | $58,940 |
| Firefighters | $84,130 | $59,280 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $34,760 | $33,580 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $142,990 | $106,040 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do private detectives and investigators make in New Jersey?
The median annual wage for private detectives and investigators in New Jersey is $54,710, or $26.31 per hour. That is 6.8% above the national median of $51,220.
What is the entry-level private detectives and investigators salary in New Jersey?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $39,980 per year ($19.22/hour). The 25th percentile is $42,890.
How many people work as private detectives and investigators in New Jersey?
About 410 people work in this occupation in New Jersey, or 0.1 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is New Jersey a good state for private detectives and investigators?
New Jersey ranks #15 of 49 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.42x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in New Jersey.
Which state pays private detectives and investigators the most?
Oregon has the highest median wage at $76,480 per year, followed by Connecticut ($75,010) and District of Columbia ($72,720).