How Much Do Private Detectives and Investigators Make in Washington DC?
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 Washington DC earns $72,720 per year and takes home $56,708 ($4,726/month) — a keep-rate of 78%.
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| Gross pay | $6,060.00 |
| Federal income tax | $597.36 |
| Social Security | $375.72 |
| Medicare | $87.87 |
| Washington DC state income tax | $273.36 |
| You keep | $4,725.70 |
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make in Washington DC?
The median Private Detectives and Investigators in Washington DC earns $72,720 per year (BLS May 2025), about $34.96 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$72,720 gross in Washington DC keeps $56,708 after federal income tax ($7,168), FICA ($5,563) and state income tax ($3,280) — $4,726 per month, a 78% keep-rate.
How does Washington DC compare to the national median for Private Detectives and Investigators?
The Washington DC median is $21,500 above 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 · Washington DC paycheck calculator · Washington DC minimum wage