📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Private Detective Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$50,846
per year
Median
$44,222
per year
Hourly
$24.45
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$29,498
25th Percentile — Junior$42,280
50th Percentile — Median$44,222
75th Percentile — Senior$71,040
90th Percentile — Top Earners$82,996
💡 Top-earning Private Detectives in Kentucky make up to $82,996 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$42.8k
2021
$44.3k
2022
$45.9k
2023
$47.5k
2024
$49.1k
2025
$50.8k
2026
📈 Private Detective salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong presence in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Private Detective Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $42,711 -16.0% Medium
Lexington $42,711 -16.0% Medium
🔍
Private Detective Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Private Detectives. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $50,846 per year, Kentucky's Private Detective salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $29,498–$42,280, while experienced Private Detectives can command $71,040–$82,996.

Looking ahead, the Private Detective profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Private Detective salary in Kentucky is $50,846 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $61,260.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Private Detectives the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Private Detective employment.
  • At $50,846/year, Kentucky Private Detective salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $61,260/year.