Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Washington
Private Detectives and Investigators in Washington earn a median annual wage of $64,080 —25.1% above the national median of $51,220. That ranks WA #6 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 concentration (0.92×) is close to the national average.
Highest-paying states for private detectives and investigators
All 49 states ranked by median annual wage. Washington 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 Washington
Occupations in the same job family, compared within Washington.
| Occupation | Washington median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guards | $47,100 | $38,020 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $102,080 | $76,210 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $79,460 | $58,940 |
| Firefighters | $94,520 | $59,280 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $37,770 | $33,580 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $136,280 | $106,040 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do private detectives and investigators make in Washington?
The median annual wage for private detectives and investigators in Washington is $64,080, or $30.81 per hour. That is 25.1% above the national median of $51,220.
What is the entry-level private detectives and investigators salary in Washington?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $43,060 per year ($20.70/hour). The 25th percentile is $46,580.
How many people work as private detectives and investigators in Washington?
About 750 people work in this occupation in Washington, or 0.2 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is Washington a good state for private detectives and investigators?
Washington ranks #6 of 49 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment concentration (0.92x) is close to the national average.
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).