Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Illinois
Private Detectives and Investigators in Illinois earn a median of $60,210 a year, +18% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $60,210
- vs. U.S. median
- +18% ($51,220)
- Rank among states
- 9 of 49
- Jobs in the state
- 1,300
Pay range in Illinois
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $38,920; the top 10% earn over $97,780. Nationally the range is $36,740 to $97,630.
States ranked near Illinois
Similar jobs in Illinois
- Compliance Officers$80,550 median in Illinois
- Compliance Managers$140,240 median in Illinois (broader BLS group)
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$77,010 median in Illinois
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts$81,180 median in Illinois (broader BLS group)
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants$63,670 median in Illinois
- Insurance Underwriters$89,620 median in Illinois
Private Detectives and Investigators pay in Illinois
How much do private detectives and investigators make in Illinois?
The median is $60,210 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $38,920 and the top 10% earn over $97,780. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is Illinois a good state for private detectives and investigators?
On pay alone it ranks 9 of 49 (+18% vs. the national median of $51,220). Living costs are not included.