Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Connecticut
Private Detectives and Investigators in Connecticut earn a median of $75,010 a year ($36.06 an hour), based on BLS data for 400 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,300 for the lowest-paid 10% to $95,790 for the top 10%. That is 46% higher than the national median of $51,220. Connecticut ranks 2nd of 49 states for private detectives and investigators pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.24 private detectives and investigators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $66,560, close to the median.
Pay range for private detectives and investigators in Connecticut
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,300 | $18.41 |
| 25th percentile | $42,130 | $20.26 |
| Median | $75,010 | $36.06 |
| 75th percentile | $83,320 | $40.06 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $95,790 | $46.05 |
| Average (mean) | $66,560 | $32.00 |
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 | $6,250.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,125.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,885 |
| Weekly | $1,442.50 |
| Hourly | $36.06 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $75,010 salary, see how much house you can afford in Connecticut at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Private Detectives and Investigators salary in cities in Connecticut
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $77,540 | 150 |
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT | $76,630 | 50 |
| New Haven, CT | $65,030 | 70 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | $64,080 | 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.
Related jobs in Connecticut
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guard | $39,920 | $19.19 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $41,950 | $20.17 |
| School Bus Monitor | $35,350 | $16.99 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $35,960 | $17.29 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $37,480 | $18.02 |
| Animal Control Worker | $57,130 | $27.47 |
| Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators | $56,300 | $27.07 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $82,170 | $39.51 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $64,750 | $31.13 |
| Firefighter | $77,630 | $37.32 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $109,360 | $52.58 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $98,500 | $47.36 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $95,240 | $45.79 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $55,990 | $26.92 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in Connecticut
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 Connecticut?
The median salary for private detectives and investigators in Connecticut is $75,010 a year, or $36.06 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,300 for the lowest-paid 10% to $95,790 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid private detectives and investigators make in Connecticut?
The top 10% of private detectives and investigators in Connecticut earn at least $95,790 a year. The top 25% earn $83,320 or more.
What is the starting pay for private detectives and investigators in Connecticut?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,300 a year, and a quarter of private detectives and investigators earn $42,130 or less.
How many private detectives and investigators work in Connecticut?
About 400 private detectives and investigators are employed in Connecticut, not counting the self-employed.