There are currently an estimated 41,400 private detectives in the United States. The private detective job market is expected to grow by 10.6% between 2016 and 2026.
How employable are private detectives?
CareerExplorer rates private detectives with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 8,700 private detectives. That number is based on 4,400 additional private detectives, and the retirement of 4,300 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 |
Arizona | 270 |
Missouri | 270 |
Alabama | 260 |
South Carolina | 250 |
New Hampshire | 220 |
Minnesota | 190 |
Indiana | 190 |
Arkansas | 190 |
District of Columbia | 170 |
New Mexico | 160 |
Mississippi | 160 |
Puerto Rico | 150 |
Kansas | 140 |
Montana | 120 |
Utah | 80 |
Iowa | 70 |
Delaware | 70 |
Alaska | 50 |
West Virginia | 40 |