📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Private Detective Salary in Virginia (2026)

Virginia · 10.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$67,386
per year
Median
$58,608
per year
Hourly
$32.4
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$39,094
25th Percentile — Junior$56,034
50th Percentile — Median$58,608
75th Percentile — Senior$94,149
90th Percentile — Top Earners$109,994
💡 Top-earning Private Detectives in Virginia make up to $109,994 per year. The job market in Virginia is rated very strong, with key industries including Government, Technology, Defense.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$56.7k
2021
$58.7k
2022
$60.8k
2023
$62.9k
2024
$65.1k
2025
$67.4k
2026
📈 Private Detective salaries in Virginia have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong presence in Virginia's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Private Detective Salary by City in Virginia
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Virginia Beach $70,755 +5.0% Medium
Richmond $68,734 +2.0% Medium
🔍
Private Detective Job Market in Virginia
Key factors affecting compensation

Virginia is home to a very strong job market for Private Detectives. The state's key industries — Government, Technology, Defense — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $67,386 per year, Virginia's Private Detective salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Virginia (index: 1.1) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Virginia can expect to earn $39,094–$56,034, while experienced Private Detectives can command $94,149–$109,994.

Looking ahead, the Private Detective profession in Virginia is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government 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 Virginia is $67,386 per year in 2026, which is 10.0% above the national average of $61,260.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Private Detectives the highest wages in Virginia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Virginia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Technology, Defense. This makes it one of the better states for Private Detective employment.
  • At $67,386/year, Virginia Private Detective salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average of $61,260/year.