Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in New York

Private detectives and investigators in New York earn the most in New York (average $71,950 a year) and the least in Syracuse ($50,220), across the 6 New York metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the private detectives and investigators average at $68,310 and the median at $59,140 for 1,300 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $60,150.

Private Detectives and Investigators average salary by city in New York

New York$71,950
Kiryas Joel$64,270
Rochester$59,380
Albany$59,320
Buffalo$58,470
Syracuse$50,220

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
New York	$71,950	$59,140	$49,160	$56,095	113
Kiryas Joel	$64,270	$53,930	$44,090	$50,891	109
Rochester	$59,380	$50,510	$40,250	$47,231	97
Albany	$59,320	$43,890	$39,190	$47,186	100
Buffalo	$58,470	$50,540	$43,170	$46,550	96
Syracuse	$50,220	$50,730	$43,660	$40,375	96

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; New York City (up to 3.876%) and Yonkers income taxes 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 New York

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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