Private investigator salary: what the data shows about pay, super and tax
A clear look at the private investigator salary in Australia, using official data from Jobs and Skills Australia and the ABS. Understand where pay sits on the national index, plus
Official median weekly earnings for private investigators are not published, but the occupation's high part-time share and older median age suggest earnings below the national full-time adult ordinary-time benchmark of $108,352 (index 100).
Understanding the private investigator salary landscape
Finding a precise private investigator salary in Australia is not straightforward. The Australian Bureau of Statistics and Jobs and Skills Australia both note that median weekly earnings for this occupation are not published because the sample size is too small or the data is unreliable. That does not mean we cannot make sense of the pay picture – we can use the national salary index, industry benchmarks, and the occupation’s own profile to understand where a private investigator’s earnings might sit.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are about 570 private investigators employed across the country. Half work part-time, and the median age is 52 – well above the all-occupations median of 40. The average full-time hours are 41 per week, slightly below the national average of 44. These figures hint that many private investigators are experienced but may not work full-time, which pulls down overall earnings.
The national benchmark for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings is $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 a year (index 100). That is the line we use on Salary Index to compare occupations. For private investigators, the lack of a published median means we cannot give a single index number. However, given the part-time share and the fact that the occupation sits in industries like Public Administration and Safety (which often pay around the national average) and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (index 114.7), a reasonable guess is that full-time private investigators earn somewhere between the national minimum wage ($52,255, index 48.2) and the national average. Experienced investigators working in insurance or legal support might earn more, while those starting out or working part-time earn less.
How the salary index applies to private investigators
The salary index works by dividing a yearly gross salary by the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings and multiplying by 100. For example, if a private investigator earns $70,000 a year, the index is 70,000 ÷ 108,352 × 100 = 64.6. That means they earn about 65% of the national benchmark. If they earn $90,000, the index is 83.1. These are illustrative – actual pay depends on experience, location, and employer.
State indexes also matter. A private investigator in Western Australia (state index 106.9) might earn more than one in Tasmania (88.6) because of different industry mixes and cost of living. The states page shows how each state compares. Similarly, working in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry (index 114.7) could lift earnings compared to Retail Trade (75.9).
Gross pay, super, and tax considerations
When discussing a private investigator salary, it helps to break down gross pay, superannuation, and tax. Gross pay is the amount before any deductions. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid by the employer on top of the salary. For a private investigator earning $70,000 gross, the employer must contribute $8,400 into super, making the total employment cost $78,400. The employee does not pay tax on the super contribution until withdrawal.
Tax for a private investigator in 2026–27 uses the resident tax rates: no tax on the first $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. A 2% Medicare levy applies to most taxpayers. For a $70,000 salary, the estimated tax is $10,738 and Medicare $1,400, leaving take-home pay of $57,862. If the investigator earns $50,000 (close to the national minimum wage annualised), tax and Medicare are about $5,742, leaving $44,258. These figures assume the tax-free threshold and ignore HELP repayments or the Medicare levy surcharge.
Casual private investigators receive a 25% loading (minimum $33.05 per hour from 1 July 2026) instead of paid leave. Super still applies. Junior investigators under 21 may be paid a percentage of the adult minimum wage, as set out in the National Minimum Wage Order. For example, a 19-year-old private investigator would earn at least $21.81 per hour (the junior rate for that age).
Where to find more information
Because official earnings data for private investigators is limited, the best sources are the pay guides for relevant awards (if any apply) and the Fair Work Ombudsman for minimum rates. Many private investigators are covered by the Security Services Industry Award 2020, which sets minimum wages for security officers and related roles. However, private investigators may be classified differently – check the award classification carefully. The topics page on Salary Index covers how to read award rates and compare them to the national index.
If you are considering a career as a private investigator, remember that licensing requirements vary by state and can affect employability and pay. The occupation is small, so networking and specialisation (e.g., insurance investigations, legal support) can improve earnings. Use the industries page to see which sectors pay above the national average.
The bottom line on private investigator salary
A precise private investigator salary figure is not available from official Australian sources. The occupation’s high part-time rate and older workforce suggest earnings below the national full-time benchmark of $108,352. Full-time private investigators likely earn between $55,000 and $90,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Use the salary index to compare any offer you receive, and always factor in super (12%) and tax. For the most current award rates, check the Fair Work Ombudsman website or the pay guides on Salary Index.
Questions people ask
What is the average private investigator salary in Australia?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for private investigators because the data is too unreliable. Jobs and Skills Australia reports that half of the 570 private investigators work part-time, and the median age is 52. Without a published median, it is best to compare the occupation to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (index 100). Given the high part-time share, actual earnings for many private investigators are likely below that benchmark.
How is superannuation calculated for a private investigator?
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Employers must pay super for employees who earn $450 or more before tax in a calendar month. For a private investigator earning, say, $70,000 a year, the annual super contribution would be $8,400. Casual employees also receive super, and the 25% casual loading does not replace super. Self-employed private investigators are not required to pay super to themselves but can make voluntary contributions.
How much tax does a private investigator pay?
For the 2026–27 income year, a private investigator earning $70,000 would pay an estimated $10,738 in income tax plus a 2% Medicare levy ($1,400), assuming the tax-free threshold is claimed. The tax brackets 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. Take-home pay after tax and Medicare would be approximately $57,862. If the investigator earns $50,000 (near the national minimum wage annualised), tax and Medicare would be about $5,742, leaving $44,258.