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Average Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Texas

Private Detectives and Investigators in Texas earn an average annual salary of $58,630, which is slightly below the national average of $60,460. This marginal difference in compensation is often influenced by a variety of local economic factors, including the specific demand within the state and the overall cost of living.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $58,630 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,600.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,440 Private Detectives and Investigators, Texas presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.99 indicates that the concentration of these professionals in Texas is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced demand and supply dynamic.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$58,630

The average Private Detectives and Investigators in Texas earns-3.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.2

Weekly

$1,128

Monthly

$4,886

Private Detectives and Investigators Salary Distribution in Texas

Career progression for Private Detectives and Investigators in Texas typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive investigative experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average, often reaching into the 75th percentile and beyond.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$35,890$17.3
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$43,973$21.1
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$48,070$23.1
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$73,288$35.2
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$99,600$47.9

Detailed Private Detectives and Investigators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$58,630

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$63,043

Adjusted for COL (93)

The average annual salary of $58,630 in Texas for Private Detectives and Investigators is quite favorable when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 93. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of an investigator's salary in Texas is likely higher than the nominal figure suggests, offering a good standard of living.

Job Market Context

3,440

Total Jobs

0.248

Per 1K Jobs

0.99

Location Quotient

Below Average

Texas has 0.99x the national average concentration of Private Detectives and Investigators jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.99 for Private Detectives and Investigators in Texas signifies a job market that is almost perfectly aligned with the national average in terms of professional concentration. This suggests that the opportunities and competition levels are quite comparable to the rest of the country, making it neither exceptionally saturated nor unusually scarce for these professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Private Detectives and Investigators

CitySalaryDist.
Killeen-Temple, TX Private Detectives and Investigators Salary$44,870↓ 23%10 mi
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Private Detectives and Investigators Salary$59,220↑ 1%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Texas

Hiring Private Detectives and Investigatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Private Detectives and Investigators make in Texas?

The median annual salary for a Private Detectives and Investigators in Texas is $58,630. This typically ranges from $35,890 for entry-level positions to $99,600 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Texas is 3.0% lower than the national median of $60,460.

Is Texas a lucrative place for Private Detectives and Investigators?

Yes, with a favorable cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the lower cost of living in Texas enhances the purchasing power of the $58,630 income, making it a financially sound location for the profession.

Is Texas a good place to live for Private Detectives and Investigators?

With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Texas?

Some top paying nearby cities include Killeen-Temple, TX ($44,870) and Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX.

What is the average salary for a Private Investigator in Texas?

The average annual salary for a Private Detective and Investigator in Texas is $58,630.

How does the Texas salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Texas ($58,630) is slightly lower than the national average ($60,460) for Private Detectives and Investigators.

Is the job market for Private Investigators strong in Texas?

The job market is stable, with a concentration (Location Quotient) very close to the national average, indicating balanced demand and supply.

How does the cost of living affect the Private Investigator salary in Texas?

With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (below the national average of 100), the $58,630 salary offers good purchasing power for Private Detectives and Investigators in Texas.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,440 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 0.248 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Private Detectives and Investigators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Texas