📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Private Detective Salary in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania · 1.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$60,647
per year
Median
$52,747
per year
Hourly
$29.16
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$35,184
25th Percentile — Junior$50,430
50th Percentile — Median$52,747
75th Percentile — Senior$84,734
90th Percentile — Top Earners$98,995
💡 Top-earning Private Detectives in Pennsylvania make up to $98,995 per year. The job market in Pennsylvania is rated strong, with key industries including Healthcare, Education, Finance.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$51.1k
2021
$52.9k
2022
$54.7k
2023
$56.6k
2024
$58.6k
2025
$60.6k
2026
📈 Private Detective salaries in Pennsylvania have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong presence in Pennsylvania's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Private Detective Salary by City in Pennsylvania
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Philadelphia $65,499 +8.0% Medium
Pittsburgh $59,434 -2.0% Medium
🔍
Private Detective Job Market in Pennsylvania
Key factors affecting compensation

Pennsylvania is home to a strong job market for Private Detectives. The state's key industries — Healthcare, Education, Finance — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $60,647 per year, Pennsylvania's Private Detective salaries are 1.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Pennsylvania (index: 0.99) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Pennsylvania can expect to earn $35,184–$50,430, while experienced Private Detectives can command $84,734–$98,995.

Looking ahead, the Private Detective profession in Pennsylvania is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Healthcare 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
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Private Detective salary in Pennsylvania is $60,647 per year in 2026, which is 1.0% below the national average of $61,260.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Private Detectives the highest wages in Pennsylvania due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Pennsylvania has a strong job market with major industries in Healthcare, Education, Finance. This makes it one of the better states for Private Detective employment.
  • At $60,647/year, Pennsylvania Private Detective salaries are 1.0% lower than the national average of $61,260/year.