Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Pennsylvania
The median pay for a private detectives and investigators in Pennsylvania is $51,220/year ($24.63/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $40K at the entry level to $89K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Pennsylvania. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $51K get you in Pennsylvania?
About private detectives and investigators
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Pennsylvania
Entry-level private detectives and investigators (10th percentile) start around $40K. Mid-career wages sit at $51K. Top earners bring in $89K or more, a $50K spread from bottom to top.
Private Detectives and Investigators salary by metro in Pennsylvania
6 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | $52K | +1% | 40 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $52K | +1% | 100 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $52K | +1% | 680 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $51K | +0% | 50 |
| Pittsburgh | $50K | -2% | 510 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre | $48K | -5% | 50 |
Compare to other states
Track private detectives and investigators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Pennsylvania numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do private detectives and investigators make in Pennsylvania?
The median is $51,220 a year, that works out to about $25 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $39,620, and experienced private detectives and investigators can clear $89,300. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $51K enough to live in Pennsylvania?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,468/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,351/month, which eats 39% 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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania 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 $53,933 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.