Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Western North Carolina

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $41,700 -20.4% vs national
Median hourly $20.05
10th percentile $34,470
90th percentile $54,200
Employed locally 50
National median $52,370

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Private Detectives and Investigators
in
Western North Carolina
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,470
    25th
    $39,770
    50th (median)
    $41,700
    75th
    $51,030
    90th
    $54,200

    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 Western North Carolina

    OccupationMedian salary
    Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$47,970
    Security Guards$36,810
    Correctional Officers and Jailers$47,520
    Firefighters$32,380
    First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$66,090
    Detectives and Criminal Investigators$54,770

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make per hour in Western North Carolina?

    The median hourly wage for Private Detectives and Investigators in Western North Carolina is $20.05, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.00 or more per hour.

    Is Western North Carolina above or below average for Private Detectives and Investigators salaries?

    The median Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Western North Carolina is 20.4% 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 Western North Carolina?

    Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators (10th percentile) earn around $34,470 per year in Western North Carolina. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $39,770.