Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Southwest Virginia

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $41,200 -21.3% vs national
Median hourly $19.81
10th percentile $34,460
90th percentile $62,180
Employed locally 40
National median $52,370

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Private Detectives and Investigators
in
Southwest Virginia
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,460
    25th
    $36,610
    50th (median)
    $41,200
    75th
    $47,850
    90th
    $62,180

    Top-paying metros for Private Detectives and Investigators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Lexington Park, MD $80,060
    Salem, OR $79,550
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $79,110
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $77,680
    Oregon $77,320
    Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $76,730

    Related occupations in Southwest Virginia

    OccupationMedian salary
    Correctional Officers and Jailers$47,750
    Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$53,260
    Security Guards$36,850
    First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$58,870
    Firefighters$39,360
    First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$81,370

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make per hour in Southwest Virginia?

    The median hourly wage for Private Detectives and Investigators in Southwest Virginia is $19.81, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $29.90 or more per hour.

    Is Southwest Virginia above or below average for Private Detectives and Investigators salaries?

    The median Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Southwest Virginia is 21.3% below the national median of $52,370. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in Southwest Virginia?

    Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators (10th percentile) earn around $34,460 per year in Southwest Virginia. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,610.