There are currently an estimated 38,300 private detectives in the United States. The private detective job market is expected to grow by 6.0% between 2022 and 2032.
How employable are private detectives?
CareerExplorer rates private detectives with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 7,200 private detectives. That number is based on 2,300 additional private detectives, and the retirement of 4,900 existing private detectives.
What’s the supply of private detectives?
The private detective industry is concentrated in California, Florida, Pennsylvania
Private Detective job market by state
State Name | Employed Private Detectives |
---|---|
California | 4,240 |
Florida | 3,840 |
Pennsylvania | 3,080 |
Texas | 1,800 |
New York | 1,750 |
Ohio | 1,130 |
Illinois | 990 |
Georgia | 940 |
Massachusetts | 780 |
New Jersey | 710 |
North Carolina | 520 |
Tennessee | 470 |
Nevada | 460 |
Oregon | 420 |
Washington | 380 |
Oklahoma | 350 |
Michigan | 340 |
Wisconsin | 320 |
Louisiana | 310 |
Colorado | 300 |
Kentucky | 290 |
Missouri | 270 |
Arizona | 270 |
Alabama | 260 |
South Carolina | 250 |
New Hampshire | 220 |
Minnesota | 190 |
Arkansas | 190 |
Indiana | 190 |
District of Columbia | 170 |
New Mexico | 160 |
Mississippi | 160 |
Puerto Rico | 150 |
Kansas | 140 |
Montana | 120 |
Utah | 80 |
Delaware | 70 |
Iowa | 70 |
Alaska | 50 |
West Virginia | 40 |