📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Private Detective Salary in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina · 12.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$53,909
per year
Median
$46,886
per year
Hourly
$25.92
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$31,275
25th Percentile — Junior$44,827
50th Percentile — Median$46,886
75th Percentile — Senior$75,319
90th Percentile — Top Earners$87,995
💡 Top-earning Private Detectives in South Carolina make up to $87,995 per year. The job market in South Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$45.4k
2021
$47.0k
2022
$48.6k
2023
$50.3k
2024
$52.1k
2025
$53.9k
2026
📈 Private Detective salaries in South Carolina have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong presence in South Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Private Detective Salary by City in South Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $53,909 +0% Medium
🔍
Private Detective Job Market in South Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

South Carolina is home to a strong job market for Private Detectives. The state's key industries — Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $53,909 per year, South Carolina's Private Detective salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Carolina (index: 0.88) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Carolina can expect to earn $31,275–$44,827, while experienced Private Detectives can command $75,319–$87,995.

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

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Private Detective salary in South Carolina is $53,909 per year in 2026, which is 12.0% below the national average of $61,260.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Private Detectives the highest wages in South Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing. This makes it one of the better states for Private Detective employment.
  • At $53,909/year, South Carolina Private Detective salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average of $61,260/year.