Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Wisconsin
Private Detectives and Investigators in Wisconsin earn a median annual wage of $41,850 —18.3% below the national median of $51,220. That ranks WI #43 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 0.61× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in Wisconsin.
Highest-paying states for private detectives and investigators
All 49 states ranked by median annual wage. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
Occupations in the same job family, compared within Wisconsin.
| Occupation | Wisconsin median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guards | $37,440 | $38,020 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $78,090 | $76,210 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $73,470 | $58,940 |
| Firefighters | $46,850 | $59,280 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $28,570 | $33,580 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $97,120 | $106,040 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do private detectives and investigators make in Wisconsin?
The median annual wage for private detectives and investigators in Wisconsin is $41,850, or $20.12 per hour. That is 18.3% below the national median of $51,220.
What is the entry-level private detectives and investigators salary in Wisconsin?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $37,000 per year ($17.79/hour). The 25th percentile is $38,580.
How many people work as private detectives and investigators in Wisconsin?
About 410 people work in this occupation in Wisconsin, or 0.1 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is Wisconsin a good state for private detectives and investigators?
Wisconsin ranks #43 of 49 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.61x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in Wisconsin.
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).