Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in North Carolina
Private Detectives and Investigators in North Carolina earn a median annual wage of $52,890 —3.3% above the national median of $51,220. That ranks NC #19 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 1.51× as concentrated as the national average, making North Carolina a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for private detectives and investigators
All 49 states ranked by median annual wage. North Carolina 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 North Carolina
Occupations in the same job family, compared within North Carolina.
| Occupation | North Carolina median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guards | $35,010 | $38,020 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $59,300 | $76,210 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $50,550 | $58,940 |
| Firefighters | $37,940 | $59,280 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $27,310 | $33,580 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $91,100 | $106,040 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do private detectives and investigators make in North Carolina?
The median annual wage for private detectives and investigators in North Carolina is $52,890, or $25.43 per hour. That is 3.3% above the national median of $51,220.
What is the entry-level private detectives and investigators salary in North Carolina?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $36,600 per year ($17.60/hour). The 25th percentile is $41,000.
How many people work as private detectives and investigators in North Carolina?
About 1,710 people work in this occupation in North Carolina, or 0.3 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is North Carolina a good state for private detectives and investigators?
North Carolina ranks #19 of 49 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 1.51x as concentrated as the national average, making North Carolina a strong market for this occupation.
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).