Private Detectives and Investigators pay in Michigan
In Michigan, the median pay for private detectives and investigators is $23.39 an hour ($48,650 a year). About 850 people work in this job there.
That is 5% lower than the U.S. median ($51,220). Michigan ranks 28th of 49 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for private detectives and investigators in Michigan
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $17.48 | $36,360 |
| 25% of workers | $18.47 | $38,410 |
| Half of workers (median) | $23.39 | $48,650 |
| 75% of workers | $29.61 | $61,590 |
| 90% of workers | $42.03 | $87,420 |
Private Detectives and Investigators pay in Michigan metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn | $47,690 | 350 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood | $42,140 | 80 |
| Lansing-East Lansing | $37,750 | 40 |
Michigan unemployment rate: 5% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for private detectives and investigators
- Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 2 to 4 years (O*NET)
- Experience usually needed to start: Less than 5 years (BLS)
- Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +5.5% over ten years, faster than average · about 3,200 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Michigan
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $73,730 |
| Lawyers | $130,520 |
| Compliance Officers | $77,390 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $62,170 |
| Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs | $66,830 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $98,140 |
| Financial Specialists, All Other | $75,040 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $90,650 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.