Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
Private Detectives and Investigators in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN metro area earn a median of $46,190 a year ($22.21 an hour), based on BLS data for 260 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,190 for the lowest-paid 10% to $97,640 for the top 10%. That is 10% lower than the national median of $51,220. Pay here is 2% lower than the Ohio statewide median of $47,200. There are 0.24 private detectives and investigators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $56,160, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for private detectives and investigators in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,190 | $17.88 |
| 25th percentile | $45,080 | $21.67 |
| Median | $46,190 | $22.21 |
| 75th percentile | $70,890 | $34.08 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $97,640 | $46.94 |
| Average (mean) | $56,160 | $27.00 |
Half of private detectives and investigators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,849.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,924.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,776.54 |
| Weekly | $888.27 |
| Hourly | $22.21 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $46,190 salary, see how much house you can afford in Ohio at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Private Detectives and Investigators salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $68,310 | 970 |
| Columbus, OH | $51,780 | 390 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $49,420 | 110 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $48,510 | 70 |
| Evansville, IN | $48,280 | 30 |
| Cleveland, OH | $45,660 | 180 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $44,550 | 140 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $43,740 | 40 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $41,930 | 40 |
| Akron, OH | $41,420 | 90 |
| Toledo, OH | $39,600 | 40 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $39,220 | 40 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $38,750 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for private detectives and investigators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $76,480 |
| Connecticut | $75,010 |
| District of Columbia | $72,720 |
| Vermont | $67,910 |
| New Hampshire | $65,370 |
| Washington | $64,080 |
| California | $61,250 |
| Arizona | $61,030 |
| Illinois | $60,210 |
| New York | $59,140 |
See Private Detectives and Investigators pay in every state or the Ohio statewide figures.
Related jobs in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guard | $36,110 | $17.36 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $30,320 | $14.58 |
| School Bus Monitor | $29,570 | $14.21 |
| Transportation Security Screener | $63,650 | $30.60 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $34,850 | $16.75 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $41,320 | $19.87 |
| Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators | $45,880 | $22.06 |
| Animal Control Worker | $37,180 | $17.88 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $80,410 | $38.66 |
| Firefighter | $58,570 | $28.16 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $55,460 | $26.66 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $86,770 | $41.72 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $102,870 | $49.46 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $56,970 | $27.39 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 33-9021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private detectives and investigators make in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN?
The median salary for private detectives and investigators in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN metro area is $46,190 a year, or $22.21 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,190 for the lowest-paid 10% to $97,640 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid private detectives and investigators make in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN?
The top 10% of private detectives and investigators in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN metro area earn at least $97,640 a year. The top 25% earn $70,890 or more.
What is the starting pay for private detectives and investigators in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,190 a year, and a quarter of private detectives and investigators earn $45,080 or less.
How many private detectives and investigators work in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN?
About 260 private detectives and investigators are employed in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN metro area, not counting the self-employed.