Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Georgia

Private detectives and investigators in Georgia earn the most in Atlanta (average $58,050 a year) and the least in Columbus ($42,570), across the 4 Georgia metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the private detectives and investigators average at $54,730 and the median at $45,060 for 1,460 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $60,150.

Private Detectives and Investigators average salary by city in Georgia

Atlanta$58,050
Augusta$50,880
Savannah$49,590
Columbus$42,570

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Atlanta	$58,050	$45,080	$39,580	$46,675	100
Augusta	$50,880	$41,330	$37,120	$41,272	92
Savannah	$49,590	$45,960	$39,520	$40,300	95
Columbus	$42,570	$36,750	$33,610	$35,009	89

*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 Georgia

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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