ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Background Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

adcltdnm

Summary The 1099-Contract Investigator is responsible for conducting federal background investigations on a contract basis in direct support of national security and suitability investigations.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Background Investigator Jobs

Contract Background Investigator information

See salary details

$30.5K

$70.1K

$114K

How much do contract background investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract 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.

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

To thrive as a Contract Background Investigator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and experience in investigative procedures, often supported by a bachelor's degree and relevant background investigation experience. Familiarity with case management systems, public records databases, and federal security clearance requirements is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, discretion, and written communication abilities help investigators build rapport and document findings clearly. These skills ensure thorough, accurate investigations that uphold compliance and protect organizational security interests.

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

Contract Background Investigators often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, managing multiple case files simultaneously, and dealing with incomplete or hard-to-verify information. To address these issues, strong organizational skills and effective time management are essential. Investigators benefit from maintaining clear communication with clients and sources, using digital case management tools, and staying updated on relevant legal and privacy standards. Building a network of reliable contacts and continuously refining interviewing techniques can also help streamline the investigation process and improve case outcomes.

What are Contract Background Investigators?

Contract Background Investigators are professionals hired by government agencies or private companies on a contractual basis to conduct background checks on individuals. Their primary responsibilities include verifying personal information, employment history, education credentials, criminal records, and other relevant data to assess an individual's suitability for employment, security clearance, or other purposes. They often work independently, traveling to interview references and gather information, then submit detailed reports of their findings. Contract background investigators must adhere to strict confidentiality and legal standards throughout the investigation process.

What Does a Contract Background Investigator Do?

As a contract background investigator, you assess the employment and personal histories of individuals seeking employment or appointment in an agency or organization. Depending on your client and the case, your research may be more or less rigorous, and what defines a potential concern is likewise subject to some change. For instance, those seeking employment in federal law enforcement may be subject to an added layer of scrutiny as compared to those working in corporate security. Regardless, you look through public sources to determine an individual’s employment history, their prior duties and responsibilities in those positions, and you may look through social media accounts or other personal sources for additional character reference.

More about Contract Background Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Background Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Contract Background Investigator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Background Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Background Investigator jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Background Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Background Investigator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Background Investigator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Background Investigator jobs are:
Contract Background Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Background Investigator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,123 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Contract Background Investigator - Wyoming (Cheyenne & Laramie)

adcltdnm

Laramie, WY

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Summary

The 1099-Contract Investigator is responsible for conducting federal background investigations on a contract basis in direct support of national security and suitability investigations.

  • Conduct fieldwork, including interviews and retrieval of records, to produce reports of investigations (ROIs) in compliance with all laws, federal standards, and federal agency regulations.
  • Accept fieldwork assignments for travel throughout the geographic area of responsibility.
    • Opportunities for temporary duty yonder (TDY) assignments outside of assigned geographic area.
  • Meet investigative deadlines as assigned by ADC LTD NM.
  • Demonstrate strong verbal and written communications skills and exhibit professional demeanor in a time-sensitive work environment.
  • Monitoring, maintaining, conveying and appropriately destroying data and documents.
    • Meet government and industry standards for quality, integrity, timeliness and productivity.
    • Maintain compliance with all mandatory and assigned training, security, and credential requirements.
  • Develop and maintain professional, courteous, and cooperative working relationships with ADC employees and contractors.
  • Report trends and updates to work environment observed in the field.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities related to the position as required.

The ADC compensation range is an estimated range reflecting what an ADC independent contractor might earn for working 40 hours per-week starting at the base rate and up to the Premier Contract Investigator rate. ADC independent contract investigators receive compensation for the number of assigned cases completed and not an annual salary.

Apply