Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Washington, DC (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV · 490 employed
The average Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Washington, DC is $79,050 per year. The middle 50% of Private Detectives and Investigatorss earn between $44,190 and $108,530. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $152,080 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $40,530. The median of $62,190 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Private Detectives and Investigators Salary Breakdown in Washington, DC
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $40,530 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,190 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $62,190 |
| Mean (Average) | $79,050 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,530 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $152,080 |
Related Jobs in Washington, DC
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $144,050 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $132,610 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $113,990 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $97,930 |
| Transit and Railroad Police | $91,400 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $86,860 |
Private Detectives and Investigators Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $79,920 |
| Portland, OR | $79,500 |
| Salem, OR | $77,290 |
| Seattle, WA | $76,610 |
| Charlotte, NC | $76,510 |
| San Jose, CA | $76,130 |
| Baltimore, MD | $76,060 |
| Chicago, IL | $74,840 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Washington, DC?
The average Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Washington, DC is $79,050 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Washington, DC?
The median Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Washington, DC is $62,190 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 Washington, DC?
Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigatorss in Washington, DC typically earn around $40,530 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $44,190.
What do the highest-paid Private Detectives and Investigatorss earn in Washington, DC?
The highest-paid Private Detectives and Investigatorss in Washington, DC earn $152,080 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $108,530.
How many Private Detectives and Investigatorss work in Washington, DC?
There are approximately 490 Private Detectives and Investigatorss employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area, per BLS OEWS.