How much does a private detective and investigator make in Tennessee?
$49,360a year
Median yearly pay for private detective and investigators in Tennessee. That is $23.73 an hour or $4,113 a month.
- Hourly
- $23.73
- Vs. national median
- -4%
- Rank among states
- 26 of 49
- Jobs in the state
- 940
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $33,930Median: $49,360Highest 10%: $101,000
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $33,930 | $16.31 | |
| 25th | $38,520 | $18.52 | |
| Median | $49,360 | $23.73 | |
| 75th | $99,170 | $47.68 | |
| 90th | $101,000 | $48.57 |
Cities in Tennessee
Metro areas, median yearly pay.
| Memphis, TN | $99,680 |
| Nashville, TN | $44,890 |
| Knoxville, TN | $43,150 |
Nearby in the ranking
States with similar pay for private detective and investigators.
| 23. Pennsylvania | $51,200 |
| 24. Florida | $50,640 |
| 25. Massachusetts | $50,240 |
| 26. Tennessee | $49,360 |
| 27. Colorado | $48,730 |
| 28. Michigan | $48,650 |
| 29. Idaho | $47,910 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private detective and investigator make an hour in Tennessee?
The median hourly pay in Tennessee is $23.73 ($49,360 a year).
Do private detective and investigators make more in Tennessee than the national average?
No: $49,360 against $51,220 nationally, 4% less.
Where does Tennessee rank for private detective and investigator pay?
Tennessee ranks 26 of 49 states.
Which city in Tennessee pays private detective and investigators the most?
Memphis, TN-MS-AR, with a median of $99,680 a year.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.