Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Washington
Private Detectives and Investigators in Washington earn a median of $64,080 a year ($30.81 an hour), based on BLS data for 750 workers.
Pay ranges from $43,060 for the lowest-paid 10% to $104,220 for the top 10%. That is 25% higher than the national median of $51,220. Washington ranks 6th of 49 states for private detectives and investigators pay. There are 0.21 private detectives and investigators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $71,020, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for private detectives and investigators in Washington
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $43,060 | $20.70 |
| 25th percentile | $46,580 | $22.39 |
| Median | $64,080 | $30.81 |
| 75th percentile | $84,700 | $40.72 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $104,220 | $50.11 |
| Average (mean) | $71,020 | $34.15 |
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 | $5,340 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,670 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,464.62 |
| Weekly | $1,232.31 |
| Hourly | $30.81 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $64,080 salary, see how much house you can afford in Washington at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Private Detectives and Investigators salary in cities in Washington
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $78,330 | 270 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $75,670 | 430 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $61,460 | 90 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $56,530 | 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 Washington
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guard | $47,100 | $22.64 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $37,770 | $18.16 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $42,170 | $20.27 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $48,940 | $23.53 |
| Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators | $45,740 | $21.99 |
| School Bus Monitor | $42,330 | $20.35 |
| Animal Control Worker | $66,440 | $31.94 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $102,080 | $49.08 |
| Firefighter | $94,520 | $45.44 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $79,460 | $38.20 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $129,350 | $62.19 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $136,280 | $65.52 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $115,790 | $55.67 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $62,510 | $30.05 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in Washington
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 Washington?
The median salary for private detectives and investigators in Washington is $64,080 a year, or $30.81 an hour. Pay ranges from $43,060 for the lowest-paid 10% to $104,220 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid private detectives and investigators make in Washington?
The top 10% of private detectives and investigators in Washington earn at least $104,220 a year. The top 25% earn $84,700 or more.
What is the starting pay for private detectives and investigators in Washington?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $43,060 a year, and a quarter of private detectives and investigators earn $46,580 or less.
How many private detectives and investigators work in Washington?
About 750 private detectives and investigators are employed in Washington, not counting the self-employed.