Private Investigator Salary: No Published Median, but State and Award Matter
If you are looking for a single "private investigator salary" figure, you will not find one from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The occupation is classified at the 6-digit ANZSCO level (442214), and the ABS does not release median weekly earnings for such detailed groups. The occupation profile explicitly lists median weekly earnings as N/A. This does not mean the role is poorly paid – it means the survey sample is too small to produce a reliable statistic.
What We Do Know from the Data
Although a precise median is unavailable, the Jobs and Skills Australia profile provides useful context. Private investigators tend to be older (median age 52, compared with 40 across all occupations) and are less likely to work full-time (50% versus 64%). Those who do work full-time average 41 hours per week, slightly below the all-occupations average of 44 hours. Women make up 34% of the workforce, below the 49% share across all jobs.
For a benchmark, the national full-time adult average ordinary-time earnings stand at $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year, according to the Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026. This is the figure used by Average line as the national line. The full-time median (all occupations) is lower at about $90,532 per year, and the all-employees median is about $74,100, from the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey for May 2025.
Why State and Award Can Move the Figure
Without occupation-specific data, the best guide to private investigator pay is the state where you work and the method used to set your pay.
State differences are substantial. The on-site notes show full-time adult average ordinary-time earnings by state, ranging from $96,008 in Tasmania to $119,090 in the Australian Capital Territory. Western Australia ($115,825) and New South Wales ($109,658) also sit above the national line, while Victoria ($106,137) and Queensland ($106,064) are close to it. A private investigator in the ACT or WA may reasonably expect higher pay than one in Tasmania, reflecting local labour market conditions and cost of living. See our States and territories page for the full breakdown.
Award coverage is another key factor. Many private investigators are covered by the Security Services Award 2020, which sets minimum rates for classifications such as security officer, patrol officer, and – by extension – private investigator. From 1 July 2026, award minimums rose by 4.75%, following the Annual Wage Review. The national minimum wage itself is now $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week. However, award rates for experienced investigators are higher than the minimum. The ABS reports that 22.7% of all employees are paid only by award, 34.6% by collective agreement, and 38.5% by individual arrangement. Private investigators may fall into any of these categories, and individual arrangements often produce higher earnings.
Putting It Together
Because the ABS does not publish a private investigator median, anyone benchmarking a salary should start with the national full-time average ($108,352) and then adjust for state and likely award classification. For example, a private investigator in New South Wales covered by an individual arrangement might earn above the national line, while one in Tasmania on award rates might earn below it. The How the figures are set page explains the methodology behind these benchmarks.
If you have an offer or current salary, you can Place a salary on the line to see how it compares with the national average and with state and industry medians.
Tax and Take-Home Pay
For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. The Medicare levy of 2% applies before any reductions. A private investigator earning near the national average of $108,352 would fall in the 30% bracket, with a marginal rate of 32% including Medicare.
Final Thoughts
The lack of a published private investigator salary figure does not mean the occupation is invisible. By combining state averages, award knowledge, and the national line, you can form a realistic picture. For the most current award rates, check Fair Work’s Pay and Conditions Tool. For individual arrangement benchmarks, industry surveys or job advertisements may help. And remember: the national line is a guide, not a guarantee.