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How much do background investigations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for background investigations in the United States is $70,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Background Investigations vs Background Checks?

AspectBackground InvestigationsBackground Checks
Depth of ReviewComprehensive, detailed investigation including criminal, financial, and personal historyBasic screening, often limited to criminal records and employment verification
PurposeUsed for sensitive positions, security clearances, or high-risk rolesCommon for employment screening, rental applications, or volunteer positions
ProcessInvolves multiple sources, interviews, and in-depth researchTypically automated or quick searches of databases

Background investigations are more thorough and detailed than background checks, making them suitable for high-security or sensitive roles. Background checks are quicker and less invasive, often used for general employment screening. Understanding these differences helps employers select the appropriate screening process for their needs.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in background investigations, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in background investigations often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, handling sensitive or confidential information, and verifying details from uncooperative sources. Managing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, adherence to legal and ethical guidelines, and effective communication with both clients and sources. Building a network of reliable contacts and staying updated on best practices in data privacy can also help investigators overcome obstacles and maintain the accuracy and integrity of their work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in background investigations?

To thrive in Background Investigations, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice or a related field, often supported by relevant certifications or security clearances. Familiarity with investigative databases, case management systems, and public records search tools is important. Excellent written and verbal communication, discretion, and critical thinking are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure thorough, accurate investigations while maintaining confidentiality and legal compliance.

What is a background investigation?

Background investigations are thorough checks conducted to verify an individual's history, credentials, and suitability for a specific role, often in employment or security-sensitive positions. These investigations typically involve reviewing criminal records, employment history, education, credit reports, and references. The purpose is to ensure that candidates meet the necessary standards of trustworthiness and reliability required by the employer or agency. Background investigations may vary in depth depending on the job's security level or industry regulations.
More about Background Investigations jobs
What cities are hiring for Background Investigations jobs? Cities with the most Background Investigations job openings:
What states have the most Background Investigations jobs? States with the most job openings for Background Investigations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Background Investigations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Background Investigations jobs are:
Background Investigations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Investigations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,123 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Associate Director, Personnel Background Investigations

KPMG

Albany, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Known for being a great place to work and build a career, KPMG provides audit, tax and advisory services for organizations in today's most important industries. Our growth is driven by delivering real results for our clients. It's also enabled by our culture, which encourages individual development, embraces an inclusive environment, rewards innovative excellence and supports our communities. With qualities like those, it's no wonder we're consistently ranked among the best companies to work for by Fortune Magazine, Consulting Magazine, Seramount, Fair360 and others. If you're as passionate about your future as we are, join our team.
KPMG is currently seeking an Associate Director, Personnel Background Investigations to join our Enterprise Security Services organization.
Responsibilities:
  • Apply comprehensive and specialist knowledge in security and risk to implement strategies and programs to mitigate and minimize risks associated with personnel and third-party talent acquisition processes inclusive of personnel background investigation administration and adjudication of all parties with trusted access to people, information, and assets
  • Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of standards, playbooks, and a team of direct reporting personnel that serve to govern and manage the background check program and security issues aligned to all set forth governmental, client driven, or regulatory obligations
  • Administer service level agreements and quality assurance deliverables are aligned to the goals of the program
  • Serve as a contributor to Firm Safety & Security (FSS) as non-cyber management briefing senior and executive management on the status of overall initiatives and/or risks in the context of firm risk to support overall informed business decision making; closely partner with Office of General Counsel, Talent & Culture, Risk Management, FSS teams, and other stakeholders throughout the firm to implement security measures complementary to the overall security risk program
  • Prepare technical products, reports, and other deliverables based on expert interpretation of analyzed data; direct, plan, and execute sensitive and complex background adjudication related operations and projects
  • Cultivate and maintain effective liaisons with governmental, law enforcement, intelligence sources, and other third-party sources to understand current threats and maintain ready access to relevant information; actively participate in industry and other sector relevant industry groups to maintain a strong collaborative network
  • Act with integrity, professionalism, and personal responsibility to uphold KPMG's respectful and courteous work environment

Qualifications:
  • Minimum eight years of recent experience handling internal investigations in a large corporate environment or government entity; specialized experience in international risk management, open-source intelligence models, and risk assessment processes required
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is preferred or acquired academic level by working experience; minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required
  • Experience in background check investigations required with demonstrated knowledge of relevant compliance obligations (for example, FCRA); experience in contract review inclusive of discerning compliance requirements.
  • Ability to establish credibility as a business partner with all levels within a matrix organization and exhibit a high degree of influence is a must; must be a strategic thinker capable of handling multiple, concurrent situations and investigations
  • Outstanding verbal/written communication, collaboration, presentation, and negotiation skills to lead an environment driven by customer service and teamwork; capacity to foster the development of high-performance teams; capable of building strong professional relationships with ability to influence all levels across the organization

KPMG LLP and its subsidiaries ("KPMG") complies with all local/state regulations regarding displaying salary ranges. If required, the ranges displayed below or via the URL below are specifically for those potential hires who will work in the location(s) listed. Any offered salary is determined based on relevant factors such as applicant's skills, job responsibilities, prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications and market considerations. In addition, KPMG is proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, with options designed to help you make the best decisions for yourself, your family, and your lifestyle. Available benefits are based on eligibility. Our Total Rewards package includes a variety of medical and dental plans, vision coverage, disability and life insurance, 401(k) plans, and a robust suite of personal well-being benefits to support your mental health. Depending on job classification, standard work hours, and years of service, KPMG provides Personal Time Off per fiscal year. Additionally, each year KPMG publishes a calendar of holidays to be observed during the year and provides eligible employees two breaks each year where employees will not be required to use Personal Time Off; one is at year end and the other is around the July 4th holiday. Additional details about our benefits can be found towards the bottom of our KPMG US Careers site at Benefits & How We Work .
Follow this link to obtain salary ranges by city outside of CA:
https://kpmg.com/us/en/how-we-work/pay-transparency.html/?id=7805_9_26 California Salary Range: $153000 - $297000
KPMG offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. KPMG is an equal opportunity employer. KPMG complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. The attached link contains further information regarding KPMG's compliance with federal, state and local recruitment and hiring laws. No phone calls or agencies please.
KPMG recruits on a rolling basis. Candidates are considered as they apply, until the opportunity is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply expeditiously to any role(s) for which they are qualified that is also of interest to them.
Los Angeles County applicants: Material job duties for this position are listed above. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, and safeguard business operations and company reputation. Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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