Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Texas
Private Detectives and Investigators in Texas earn a median of $51,810 a year ($24.91 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,220 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,930 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $51,220. Texas ranks 20th of 49 states for private detectives and investigators pay. There are 0.23 private detectives and investigators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $58,670, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for private detectives and investigators in Texas
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,650 | $17.14 |
| 25th percentile | $36,810 | $17.70 |
| Median | $51,810 | $24.91 |
| 75th percentile | $72,660 | $34.93 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $99,930 | $48.05 |
| Average (mean) | $58,670 | $28.21 |
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 | $4,317.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,158.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,992.69 |
| Weekly | $996.35 |
| Hourly | $24.91 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $51,810 salary, see how much house you can afford in Texas at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Private Detectives and Investigators salary in cities in Texas
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $61,460 | 1,070 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $60,090 | 40 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $57,620 | 50 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $56,760 | 260 |
| Tyler, TX | $46,390 | 30 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $46,110 | 710 |
| El Paso, TX | $38,070 | 70 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $37,090 | 50 |
| Lubbock, TX | $36,640 | 30 |
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 Texas
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guard | $35,980 | $17.30 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $29,450 | $14.16 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $33,500 | $16.11 |
| Transportation Security Screener | $68,640 | $33.00 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $33,350 | $16.03 |
| School Bus Monitor | $29,300 | $14.09 |
| Animal Control Worker | $43,250 | $20.79 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $75,900 | $36.49 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $52,670 | $25.32 |
| Firefighter | $60,180 | $28.94 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $90,510 | $43.51 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $81,710 | $39.28 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $46,740 | $22.47 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $111,000 | $53.36 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in Texas
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 Texas?
The median salary for private detectives and investigators in Texas is $51,810 a year, or $24.91 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,930 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid private detectives and investigators make in Texas?
The top 10% of private detectives and investigators in Texas earn at least $99,930 a year. The top 25% earn $72,660 or more.
What is the starting pay for private detectives and investigators in Texas?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,650 a year, and a quarter of private detectives and investigators earn $36,810 or less.
How many private detectives and investigators work in Texas?
About 3,220 private detectives and investigators are employed in Texas, not counting the self-employed.