How Much Money Does a Private Investigator Make?
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A private investigator, or PI, researches financial matters, conducts legal searches, finds missing persons or investigates civil crimes on behalf of clients. To become a PI, you only need a high school diploma. However, investigators typically start in a law enforcement career. Most states also require licensing, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Though pay varies with self-employment, average pay was $53,890 per year as of May 2013, according to the BLS.
Investigator Pay Details
Ten percent of PIs made at or below $31,440 as of May 2020. However, the top 10 percent earned at or above $96,950. The size of your community and potential clientele impact pay, as does geography. New Jersey investigators had the highest average pay at $64,610 per year. Nebraska was second in investigator pay at $63,770, followed by Washington at $61,320.
Private Detectives and Investigators salary
- Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $96,950 ($46.61/hour)
- Median Annual Salary: $53,320 ($25.63/hour)
- Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $31,440 ($15.12/hour)
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Private Detectives and Investigators
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2013: Private Detectives and Investigators
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: Private Detectives and Investigators
- Career Trend: Private Detectives and Investigators
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Neil Kokemuller has been an active business, finance and education writer and content media website developer since 2007. He has been a college marketing professor since 2004. Kokemuller has additional professional experience in marketing, retail and small business. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Iowa State University.
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