Private Detectives and Investigators in Maryland
Considering working as a Private Detectives and Investigators in Maryland? Below are the key facts. Gather, analyze, compile, and report information regarding individuals or organizations to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment.
What do Private Detectives and Investigators Make in Maryland?
The private detectives and investigators working in Maryland, wages run about $74,360 per year (or roughly $35.75/hour).Pay can range from $41,580 at the 10th percentile to $132,340 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,580 | $19.99 |
| 25th percentile | $49,980 | $24.03 |
| Median (50th) | $74,360 | $35.75 |
| 75th percentile | $127,860 | $61.47 |
| 90th percentile | $132,340 | $63.62 |
The job concentration index in Maryland compared to the national average — is 0.81, suggesting fewer private detectives and investigators per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, private detectives and investigators earn a median of $71,252 per year ($34.26/hour), higher than the Maryland median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 376,964 private detectives and investigators in the U.S.. In Maryland alone, around 560 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 450 private detectives and investigators.
Top Maryland Metros for Private Detectives and Investigators
The largest metro-area employers of private detectives and investigators in Maryland.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 210 | $60,450 |
| Lexington Park, MD | 30 | $80,060 |
Top States for Private Detectives and Investigators Employment
The table below shows the states where the most private detectives and investigators work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 5,260 |
| Florida | 3,780 |
| Texas | 3,440 |
| New York | 1,850 |
| Illinois | 1,770 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,550 |
| North Carolina | 1,370 |
| Ohio | 1,360 |
| Georgia | 1,340 |
| Michigan | 980 |
| Arizona | 980 |
| Minnesota | 940 |
| Virginia | 900 |
| Louisiana | 890 |
| Washington | 840 |
| New Jersey | 790 |
| Tennessee | 690 |
| South Carolina | 650 |
| Colorado | 580 |
| Alabama | 580 |
Highest-Paying States for Private Detectives and Investigators
These states pay the most for private detectives and investigators.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $77,320 |
| Maryland | $74,360 |
| Illinois | $73,070 |
| Minnesota | $72,070 |
| Connecticut | $68,290 |
| Wyoming | $67,360 |
| Vermont | $66,070 |
| Washington | $65,370 |
| Arizona | $64,960 |
| California | $60,210 |
Skills
Key private detectives and investigators skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for private detectives and investigators, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
- Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.
- Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
- Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual's character, financial status, or personal history.
- Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.
- Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.
- Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.
- Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals' character or financial status.
- Observe and document activities of individuals to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.
- Confer with establishment officials, security departments, police, or postal officials to identify problems, provide information, or receive instructions.
- Investigate companies' financial standings, or locate funds stolen by embezzlers, using accounting skills.
- Perform undercover operations, such as evaluating the performance or honesty of employees by posing as customers or employees.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Working with Computers
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Processing Information
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Facebook In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Criminal Justice & Corrections
- Security Science and Technology
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Careers similar to private detectives and investigators include:
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
- Compliance Officers
- Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
- Coroners
- Management Analysts
- Financial Examiners
Also Known As
AML Investigator (Anti Money Laundering Investigator), Alarm Investigator, Asset Protection Detective, BSA Investigator (Bank Secrecy Act Investigator), Background Investigator, Bonding Agent, Case Investigator, Cash Shortage Investigator, Certified Legal Investigator, Contract Investigator, Detective, Detective Investigator, District Agent, Employee Relations Investigator, Field Investigator.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 33-9021.00
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