Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Utah
Private Detectives and Investigators in Utah earn a median of $57,910 a year ($27.84 an hour), based on BLS data for 350 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,690 for the lowest-paid 10% to $89,900 for the top 10%. That is 13% higher than the national median of $51,220. Utah ranks 11th of 49 states for private detectives and investigators pay. There are 0.20 private detectives and investigators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $59,830, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for private detectives and investigators in Utah
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,690 | $18.60 |
| 25th percentile | $48,460 | $23.30 |
| Median | $57,910 | $27.84 |
| 75th percentile | $61,090 | $29.37 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $89,900 | $43.22 |
| Average (mean) | $59,830 | $28.76 |
Half of private detectives and investigators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,825.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,412.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,227.31 |
| Weekly | $1,113.65 |
| Hourly | $27.84 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Private Detectives and Investigators salary in cities in Utah
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $57,910 | 240 |
| Ogden, UT | $55,450 | 40 |
| Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT | $55,420 | 30 |
Highest-paying states for private detectives and investigators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $76,480 |
| Connecticut | $75,010 |
| District of Columbia | $72,720 |
| Vermont | $67,910 |
| New Hampshire | $65,370 |
| Washington | $64,080 |
| California | $61,250 |
| Arizona | $61,030 |
| Illinois | $60,210 |
| New York | $59,140 |
See Private Detectives and Investigators pay in every state.
Related jobs in Utah
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guard | $42,700 | $20.53 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $28,720 | $13.81 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $35,480 | $17.06 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $49,610 | $23.85 |
| Transportation Security Screener | $61,110 | $29.38 |
| School Bus Monitor | $38,020 | $18.28 |
| Animal Control Worker | $47,210 | $22.70 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $77,310 | $37.17 |
| Firefighter | $48,310 | $23.23 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $67,290 | $32.35 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $110,500 | $53.12 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $100,380 | $48.26 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $78,920 | $37.94 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $56,290 | $27.06 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 33-9021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private detectives and investigators make in Utah?
The median salary for private detectives and investigators in Utah is $57,910 a year, or $27.84 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,690 for the lowest-paid 10% to $89,900 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid private detectives and investigators make in Utah?
The top 10% of private detectives and investigators in Utah earn at least $89,900 a year. The top 25% earn $61,090 or more.
What is the starting pay for private detectives and investigators in Utah?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,690 a year, and a quarter of private detectives and investigators earn $48,460 or less.
How many private detectives and investigators work in Utah?
About 350 private detectives and investigators are employed in Utah, not counting the self-employed.