Private Detectives and Investigators Pay Range in New Mexico
Pay distribution across experience levels
- 10th Percentile — Entry Level$35,660
- 25th Percentile — Junior$36,900
- 50th Percentile — Median$41,600
- 75th Percentile — Senior$64,280
- 90th Percentile — Top Earners$66,350
Half of Private Detectives and Investigators in New Mexico earn more than $41,600. The top 10% make $66,350 or more, while entry-level workers start around $35,660.
Private Detectives and Investigators in New Mexico: Key Facts
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
- New Mexico ranks 39th of 49 states for Private Detectives and Investigators pay, at $49,550 per year (17.6% below the U.S. average of $60,150).
- Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $35,660; the top 10% earn over $66,350.
- Hourly equivalent: $23.82 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
- The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $88,260.
- Among public safety jobs in New Mexico, First-Line Supervisors of Police pays the most ($94,900).
Private Detectives and Investigators Job Market in New Mexico
Key factors affecting compensation
New Mexico's key industries are Government, Energy, Tourism, and its job market is rated moderate. Private Detectives and Investigators here earn $49,550 on average, placing the state 39th nationally.
With a cost-of-living index of 0.88 (U.S. = 1.00), a New Mexico salary of $49,550 is roughly equivalent to $56,307 at the national average cost of living.
Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Kentucky ($51,130), Wisconsin ($50,660), Kansas ($50,220) are the closest alternatives for Private Detectives and Investigators weighing a move.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
Other Public Safety Jobs in New Mexico
Related career salary benchmarks
- First-Line Supervisors of Police $94,900/yr New Mexico +91.5% vs this role
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $84,880/yr New Mexico +71.3% vs this role
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting $67,920/yr New Mexico +37.1% vs this role
- Police Officers $66,700/yr New Mexico +34.6% vs this role
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $48,570/yr New Mexico 2.0% vs this role
- Security Guards $46,300/yr New Mexico 6.6% vs this role
- Firefighters $43,180/yr New Mexico 12.9% vs this role
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
What is the average Private Detectives and Investigators salary in New Mexico?
The average Private Detectives and Investigators salary in New Mexico is $49,550 per year (median $41,600), which is 17.6% below the national average of $60,150.
How does New Mexico rank for Private Detectives and Investigators pay?
New Mexico ranks 39th out of 49 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($88,260/yr).
How much do entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators make in New Mexico?
The lowest-paid 10% of Private Detectives and Investigators in New Mexico earn about $35,660 per year and the 25th percentile is $36,900.
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make per hour in New Mexico?
About $23.82 per hour, based on the $49,550 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.
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