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$30.5K

$70.1K

$114K

How much do background investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for background investigator 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.

How much do contract background investigators make?

Contract background investigators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of cases. Many work on a freelance or part-time basis, often requiring strong research skills and familiarity with investigative tools.

What is the 3 month rule for jobs?

The 3 month rule for a Background Investigator typically refers to the period during which they must complete background checks and investigations for new hires, often within three months of starting the process. This timeframe ensures timely completion of background reports, which are essential for employment clearance and security clearance requirements. Meeting this deadline is important for maintaining workflow and compliance with agency or company policies.

How do I become a background investigator?

To become a background investigator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience, and pass a background check. Many employers prefer applicants to complete training programs or obtain certifications such as the Professional Background Investigator Certification (PBIC). Strong research, interviewing, and report-writing skills are also important for success in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by Background Investigators, and how can they be addressed?

Background Investigators often encounter challenges such as incomplete or conflicting information, uncooperative sources, and tight deadlines for report submissions. To address these issues, it's important to develop strong communication and organizational skills, as well as persistence in following up with relevant contacts. Collaborating closely with team members and utilizing available databases can help streamline the process and improve the accuracy of findings. Continuous training on the latest investigative techniques and compliance requirements also helps investigators adapt to evolving industry standards.

What jobs are off limits to felons?

Background Investigators typically do not have restrictions based solely on felony history, but certain jobs may be off limits for felons, especially those involving security, law enforcement, or positions requiring a high level of trust or security clearance. Employers may also restrict felons from jobs in healthcare, finance, or childcare depending on the nature of their convictions and licensing requirements. Regulations vary by state and industry, and some employers conduct background checks to determine eligibility for specific roles.

What are background investigators?

Background investigators are professionals who conduct detailed research into an individual's personal, professional, and criminal history. They verify information provided by job applicants or security clearance candidates, often interviewing references, checking records, and preparing comprehensive reports. Their work is crucial for organizations and government agencies that require trustworthy employees in sensitive positions. Background investigators must adhere to strict privacy and legal guidelines while collecting and analyzing information.

What Is a Background Investigator?

A background investigator researches background and criminal histories for large organizations, federal agencies, and school districts. As a background investigator, you work closely with administrators and hiring managers to determine if potential candidates are qualified, capable, and well-suited to be successful in the role. Background investigators use online and other research tools, as well as interviews with friends, associates, former employers, and others to get a comprehensive understanding of a candidate’s background.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Background Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Background Investigator, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and investigative skills, often supported by a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with background screening databases, case management software, and compliance with legal regulations such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is typical. Excellent communication, discretion, and interpersonal skills are crucial for conducting interviews and handling sensitive information. These competencies ensure thorough, accurate investigations that maintain legal compliance and protect organizational integrity.
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Background Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Investigator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,123 per year, or $33.7 per hour.
DHS Credentialed Background Investigator

DHS Credentialed Background Investigator

CACI International, Inc.

Brawley, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Title: DHS Credentialed Background Investigator
Job Category: Service Contract Act
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Top Secret
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 25%
Type of Travel: Local
* * *
At CACI, background investigation is more than research and reports; it's your chance to contribute to the safety and security of our nation in the company of colleagues who value trust and integrity above all else. CACI fosters a culture based on integrity, strong ethics, quality, and professionalism. Our staff has been an industry-leading provider of federal background investigations since 2004 and employs full-time and part-time investigators in all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other U.S. territories.
What You'll Get to Do
  • Conduct comprehensive interviews with subjects, employers, associates, references, and other knowledgeable individuals and review appropriate records to obtain facts to resolve all material issues in a case or to establish the background, reputation, character, suitability, or qualifications of the subject under investigation. Document all information received and submit a detailed report of investigation within a strict timeline.
  • TDY opportunity at locations across the U.S. for 2 or more weeks in duration
  • Opportunities to work on multiple field investigation contracts

You'll Bring These Qualifications
  • Customer credential or the ability to obtain based on National Training Standard certification and experience conducting background investigations
  • Proven quality, timeliness, and production metrics
  • A Bachelor's Degree or 4 years of general experience demonstrating progressive responsibility in problem solving, planning and organizing work, and communicating effectively orally and in writing.
  • Clearance: Active Top Secret Clearance based on a T5 Investigation
  • Ability to maintain a favorable determination based on T5 Investigation
  • A sense of mission in support of national security initiatives
  • An impeccable work ethic, integrity, and can-do attitude
  • A current driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and willingness to extensively travel locally on a daily basis dependent on assignment location
  • A home office equipped with high-speed Internet ($50 monthly internet stipend is provided)
  • A personal computer compatible with Microsoft applications (e.g. Word and Excel)
  • Ability to walk, type, sit, or stand for long periods of time
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills, such as typing detailed, extensive, and lengthy reports and includes:
  • Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  • Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
  • Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material that is appropriate for the intended audience.

This position description is not an active opening but is representative of positions within CACI that are consistently available. Individuals who apply may be considered for other positions at CACI.
What We Can Offer You:
- We've been named a Best Place to Work by the Washington Post.
- Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives.
- We offer competitive benefits and learning and development opportunities.
- We are mission-oriented and ever vigilant in aligning our solutions with the nation's highest priorities.
- For over 60 years, the principles of CACI's unique, character-based culture have been the driving force behind our success.
This position is contingent on funding and may not be filled immediately. However, this position is representative of positions within CACI that are consistently available. Individuals who apply may also be considered for other positions at CACI.
What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
This posting is for a position covered by the Service Contract Labor Standards (SCA). The pay and benefits provided for this position will meet or exceed the minimum required amounts detailed in the wage determination issued by the Department of Labor and made applicable to this position, as incorporated into CACI's government contract for the work location.
Since the position can be worked in more than one location, the rate shown is the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors. The actual rate will be based on contract, location and job classification.
Minimum Required Hourly Wage:
$26.07
There are a host of other factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographical location, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.

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