Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in District of Columbia
Private Detectives and Investigators in District of Columbia earn a median of $72,720 a year, +42% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $72,720
- vs. U.S. median
- +42% ($51,220)
- Rank among states
- 3 of 49
- Jobs in the state
- Not published
Pay range in District of Columbia
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $45,790; the top 10% earn over $156,670. Nationally the range is $36,740 to $97,630.
States ranked near District of Columbia
Similar jobs in District of Columbia
- Compliance Officers$111,030 median in District of Columbia
- Compliance Managers$175,720 median in District of Columbia (broader BLS group)
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$101,150 median in District of Columbia
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts$125,110 median in District of Columbia (broader BLS group)
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants$89,750 median in District of Columbia
- Insurance Underwriters$82,070 median in District of Columbia
Private Detectives and Investigators pay in District of Columbia
How much do private detectives and investigators make in District of Columbia?
The median is $72,720 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $45,790 and the top 10% earn over $156,670. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is District of Columbia a good state for private detectives and investigators?
On pay alone it ranks 3 of 49 (+42% vs. the national median of $51,220). Living costs are not included.