There are currently an estimated 43,600 private detectives in the United States. The private detective job market is expected to grow by 6.0% between 2024 and 2034.
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 2,600 private detectives.
What’s the supply of private detectives?
The private detective industry is concentrated in California, Florida, Texas
Private Detective job market by state
| State Name | Employed Private Detectives |
|---|---|
| California | 4,190 |
| Florida | 3,660 |
| Texas | 3,220 |
| North Carolina | 1,710 |
| Ohio | 1,560 |
| Georgia | 1,460 |
| New York | 1,300 |
| Illinois | 1,300 |
| Virginia | 1,280 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,220 |
| Tennessee | 940 |
| Louisiana | 860 |
| Michigan | 850 |
| Arizona | 790 |
| Washington | 750 |
| South Carolina | 620 |
| Oregon | 610 |
| Minnesota | 600 |
| Missouri | 590 |
| Maryland | 560 |
| Colorado | 540 |
| Alabama | 530 |
| Indiana | 480 |
| New Jersey | 410 |
| Wisconsin | 410 |
| Connecticut | 400 |
| Arkansas | 370 |
| Oklahoma | 370 |
| Utah | 350 |
| Nevada | 350 |
| Kentucky | 350 |
| Mississippi | 330 |
| Massachusetts | 280 |
| New Hampshire | 280 |
| Kansas | 280 |
| Idaho | 210 |
| Maine | 210 |
| Iowa | 170 |
| West Virginia | 170 |
| Nebraska | 160 |
| Delaware | 110 |
| Vermont | 90 |
| Montana | 70 |
| Alaska | 70 |
| Hawaii | 70 |
| Rhode Island | 60 |
| South Dakota | 60 |
| North Dakota | 60 |
| Wyoming | 40 |