Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Tennessee
Private Detectives and Investigators in Tennessee earn a median annual wage of $49,360 —3.6% below the national median of $51,220. That ranks TN #26 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 1.26× as concentrated as the national average, making Tennessee a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for private detectives and investigators
All 49 states ranked by median annual wage. Tennessee 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 Tennessee
Occupations in the same job family, compared within Tennessee.
| Occupation | Tennessee median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guards | $36,000 | $38,020 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $59,280 | $76,210 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $50,940 | $58,940 |
| Firefighters | $49,300 | $59,280 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $28,200 | $33,580 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $74,770 | $106,040 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do private detectives and investigators make in Tennessee?
The median annual wage for private detectives and investigators in Tennessee is $49,360, or $23.73 per hour. That is 3.6% below the national median of $51,220.
What is the entry-level private detectives and investigators salary in Tennessee?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $33,930 per year ($16.31/hour). The 25th percentile is $38,520.
How many people work as private detectives and investigators in Tennessee?
About 940 people work in this occupation in Tennessee, or 0.3 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is Tennessee a good state for private detectives and investigators?
Tennessee ranks #26 of 49 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 1.26x as concentrated as the national average, making Tennessee 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).