Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in New York
The median pay for a private detectives and investigators in New York is $59,840/year ($28.77/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $43K at the entry level to $113K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $60K get you in New York?
About private detectives and investigators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, New York
Entry-level private detectives and investigators (10th percentile) start around $43K. Mid-career wages sit at $60K.Top earners bring in $113K or more - a $71K spread from bottom to top.
Private Detectives and Investigators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $77K | +48% | 480 |
| Maryland | $74K | +42% | 560 |
| Illinois | $73K | +40% | 1,770 |
| Minnesota | $72K | +38% | 940 |
| Connecticut | $68K | +30% | 400 |
| Wyoming | $67K | +29% | 40 |
| Vermont | $66K | +26% | N/A |
| Washington | $65K | +25% | 840 |
| Arizona | $65K | +24% | 980 |
| California | $60K | +15% | 5,260 |
| New York | $60K | +14% | 1,850 |
| Massachusetts | $58K | +10% | 480 |
| North Carolina | $55K | +5% | 1,370 |
| Alaska | $54K | +3% | 80 |
| South Carolina | $54K | +3% | 650 |
Track private detectives and investigators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when New York numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do private detectives and investigators make in New York?
The median is $59,840 a year - that works out to about $28.77 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $42,680, and experienced private detectives and investigators can clear $113,220. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $60K enough to live in New York?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,953/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,405/month (median of metro areas), which eats 35.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a private detectives and investigators salary go in New York?
New York has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median private detectives and investigators salary is worth about $59,840 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do private detectives and investigators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.