Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Washington

Private detectives and investigators in Washington earn the most in Seattle (average $77,230 a year) and the least in Olympia ($62,180), across the 3 Washington metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the private detectives and investigators average at $71,020 and the median at $64,080 for 750 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $60,150.

Private Detectives and Investigators average salary by city in Washington

Seattle$77,230
Spokane$62,220
Olympia$62,180

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Seattle	$77,230	$75,670	$47,650	$63,161	111
Spokane	$62,220	$61,460	$42,780	$52,174	100
Olympia	$62,180	$56,530	$46,790	$52,142	104

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Washington has no state income tax; Washington's WA Cares (0.58%) and Paid Family and Medical Leave payroll premiums are not included. 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 Washington

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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