Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in South Carolina

Private detectives and investigators in South Carolina earn the most in Myrtle Beach (average $55,500 a year) and the least in Charleston ($46,320), across the 3 South Carolina metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the private detectives and investigators average at $58,980 and the median at $51,530 for 620 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $60,150.

Private Detectives and Investigators average salary by city in South Carolina

Myrtle Beach$55,500
Columbia$54,860
Charleston$46,320

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Myrtle Beach	$55,500	$49,740	$40,300	$45,410	94
Columbia	$54,860	$48,000	$38,660	$44,938	94
Charleston	$46,320	$39,060	$38,620	$38,643	101

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Private Detectives and Investigators salary in other states

Private Detectives and Investigators salary by city and state

More about pay in South Carolina

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 33-9021.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.