Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Tennessee

Private detectives and investigators in Tennessee earn the most in Memphis (average $78,160 a year) and the least in Knoxville ($45,790), across the 3 Tennessee metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the private detectives and investigators average at $63,810 and the median at $49,360 for 940 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $60,150.

Private Detectives and Investigators average salary by city in Tennessee

Memphis$78,160
Nashville$58,630
Knoxville$45,790

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Memphis	$78,160	$99,680	$45,670	$63,816	92
Nashville	$58,630	$44,890	$39,040	$49,289	96
Knoxville	$45,790	$43,150	$33,280	$38,972	93

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Tennessee has no state income tax. 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 Tennessee

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.

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