Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Chicago, IL (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN · 1,320 employed
The average Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Chicago, IL is $74,840 per year. The middle 50% of Private Detectives and Investigatorss earn between $51,840 and $90,700. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $99,500 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $44,100. The median of $77,680 is below the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Private Detectives and Investigators Salary Breakdown in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $44,100 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,840 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $77,680 |
| Mean (Average) | $74,840 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,700 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $99,500 |
Related Jobs in Chicago, IL
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $133,780 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $129,040 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $112,930 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $104,140 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $98,350 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other | $86,250 |
Private Detectives and Investigators Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $79,920 |
| Portland, OR | $79,500 |
| Washington, DC | $79,050 |
| Salem, OR | $77,290 |
| Seattle, WA | $76,610 |
| Charlotte, NC | $76,510 |
| San Jose, CA | $76,130 |
| Baltimore, MD | $76,060 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Chicago, IL?
The average Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Chicago, IL is $74,840 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Chicago, IL is $77,680 per year. Half of Private Detectives and Investigatorss earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Private Detectives and Investigatorss make in Chicago, IL?
Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigatorss in Chicago, IL typically earn around $44,100 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $51,840.
What do the highest-paid Private Detectives and Investigatorss earn in Chicago, IL?
The highest-paid Private Detectives and Investigatorss in Chicago, IL earn $99,500 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $90,700.
How many Private Detectives and Investigatorss work in Chicago, IL?
There are approximately 1,320 Private Detectives and Investigatorss employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area, per BLS OEWS.