Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
The median pay for a private detectives and investigators in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ is $75,230/year ($36.17/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $40K at the entry level to $111K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.32), that's roughly $72,813 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,839/month — about 36.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $75K get you in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler?
About private detectives and investigators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Entry-level private detectives and investigators (10th percentile) start around $40K. Mid-career wages sit at $75K.Top earners bring in $111K 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 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do private detectives and investigators make in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The median is $75,230 a year - that works out to about $36.17 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $39,770, and experienced private detectives and investigators can clear $110,850. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $75K enough to live in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,952/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,839/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 37.1% 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 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler?
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler has a Regional Price Parity of 103.32 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median private detectives and investigators salary is worth about $72,813 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.