Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in New York
Private Detectives and Investigators in New York earn a median annual wage of $59,140 —15.5% above the national median of $51,220. That ranks NY #10 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 0.59× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in New York.
Highest-paying states for private detectives and investigators
All 49 states ranked by median annual wage. New York 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 York
Occupations in the same job family, compared within New York.
| Occupation | New York median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guards | $44,240 | $38,020 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $92,790 | $76,210 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $76,820 | $58,940 |
| Firefighters | $100,960 | $59,280 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $36,590 | $33,580 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $124,080 | $106,040 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do private detectives and investigators make in New York?
The median annual wage for private detectives and investigators in New York is $59,140, or $28.43 per hour. That is 15.5% above the national median of $51,220.
What is the entry-level private detectives and investigators salary in New York?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $40,940 per year ($19.69/hour). The 25th percentile is $45,970.
How many people work as private detectives and investigators in New York?
About 1,300 people work in this occupation in New York, or 0.1 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is New York a good state for private detectives and investigators?
New York ranks #10 of 49 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.59x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in New York.
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).