How Much Do Private Detectives and Investigators Make in Pennsylvania?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania earns $51,200 per year and takes home $41,747 ($3,479/month) — a keep-rate of 81.5%, with 1,220 employed in the state.
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| Gross pay | $4,266.67 |
| Federal income tax | $330.33 |
| Social Security | $264.53 |
| Medicare | $61.87 |
| Pennsylvania state income tax | $130.99 |
| You keep | $3,478.95 |
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in Pennsylvania?
The median Private Detectives and Investigators in Pennsylvania earns $51,200 per year (BLS May 2025), about $24.62 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$51,200 gross in Pennsylvania keeps $41,747 after federal income tax ($3,964), FICA ($3,917) and state income tax ($1,572) — $3,479 per month, a 81.5% keep-rate.
How does Pennsylvania compare to the national median for Private Detectives and Investigators?
The Pennsylvania median is $20 below the national median of $51,220.
Which state pays Private Detectives and Investigators the most?
Oregon has the highest median gross for Private Detectives and Investigators at $76,480 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Private Detectives and Investigators salary in every state · Pennsylvania paycheck calculator · Pennsylvania minimum wage