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Private investigator salary in United States, 2026

How much does a Private Investigator make in the United States?

Average base salary

$24.73
Average $24.73
Low $15.65
High $39.07

The average salary for a private investigator is $24.73 per hour in the United States. 1.6k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated June 22, 2026).

Private Investigator job openings in United States

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Private Investigator
Photofax, Inc3.3out of 5 stars.
Saint Charles, MO
$50,000 - $60,000 a year
Full-time
2 days ago

Highest paying companies for Private Investigator in United States

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
MERCOR
 
$196,560per year
View company
The Staffing Resource Group, I...
 
$135,200per year
View company
Ascendo Resources
 
$106,860per year
View company
Armorous
 
$90,000per year
View company
MLG Attorneys at Law
 
$85,000per year
View company
Staffing Solutions, LLC
 
$75,005per year
View company

Highest paying cities for Private Investigators near United States

  1. New York, NY
    $32.94 per hour
  2. Albuquerque, NM
    $31.49 per hour
  3. Boston, MA
    $27.97 per hour
  4. San Jose, CA
    $27.84 per hour
  5. Los Angeles, CA
    $27.64 per hour

Where can a Private Investigator earn more?

Compare salaries for Private Investigators in different locations
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