How much does a private detective and investigator make in Washington?
$64,080a year
Median yearly pay for private detective and investigators in Washington. That is $30.81 an hour or $5,340 a month.
- Hourly
- $30.81
- Vs. national median
- +25%
- Rank among states
- 6 of 49
- Jobs in the state
- 750
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $43,060Median: $64,080Highest 10%: $104,200
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $43,060 | $20.70 | |
| 25th | $46,580 | $22.39 | |
| Median | $64,080 | $30.81 | |
| 75th | $84,700 | $40.72 | |
| 90th | $104,200 | $50.11 |
Cities in Washington
Metro areas, median yearly pay.
| Portland, OR | $78,330 |
| Seattle, WA | $75,670 |
| Spokane, WA | $61,460 |
| Olympia, WA | $56,530 |
Nearby in the ranking
States with similar pay for private detective and investigators.
| 3. District of Columbia | $72,720 |
| 4. Vermont | $67,910 |
| 5. New Hampshire | $65,370 |
| 6. Washington | $64,080 |
| 7. California | $61,250 |
| 8. Arizona | $61,030 |
| 9. Illinois | $60,210 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private detective and investigator make an hour in Washington?
The median hourly pay in Washington is $30.81 ($64,080 a year).
Do private detective and investigators make more in Washington than the national average?
Yes: $64,080 against $51,220 nationally, 25% more.
Where does Washington rank for private detective and investigator pay?
Washington ranks 6 of 49 states.
Which city in Washington pays private detective and investigators the most?
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA, with a median of $78,330 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.