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Entry Level Background Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Investigator 1

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$46K - $69K/yr

Performing a variety of general entry-level investigative activities of limited complexity within ... A background check, including a criminal history check, fingerprint and Iowa tax filing check, will ...

Entry-Level Investigator

Naples, FL

$43K - $53K/yr

Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you ... A background check will be conducted, in accordance to the local state law and regulations.

Entry-Level Investigator

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$45K - $56K/yr

Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you ... A background check will be conducted, in accordance to the local state law and regulations.

Entry-Level Investigator

Lake Charles, LA · On-site

$46K - $56K/yr

Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you ... A background check will be conducted, in accordance to the local state law and regulations. Job ...

Entry-Level Investigator

Ventura, CA

$51K - $62K/yr

Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you ... A background check will be conducted, in accordance to the local state law and regulations.

Entry-Level Investigator

Rochester, NY · On-site

$45K - $56K/yr

Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you ... A background check will be conducted, in accordance to the local state law and regulations. Job ...

Entry-Level Investigator

Denver, CO · On-site

$48K - $60K/yr

Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you ... A background check will be conducted, in accordance to the local state law and regulations. Job ...

Entry-Level Investigator

Astoria, NY · On-site

$51K - $62K/yr

Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you ... A background check will be conducted, in accordance to the local state law and regulations.

Entry-Level Investigator

Boston, MA

$50K - $61K/yr

Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you ... A background check will be conducted, in accordance to the local state law and regulations.

Entry-Level Investigator

Miami, FL · On-site

$44K - $54K/yr

Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you ... A background check will be conducted, in accordance to the local state law and regulations. Job ...

Entry-Level Investigator

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$48K - $59K/yr

Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you ... A background check will be conducted, in accordance to the local state law and regulations. Job ...

Entry-Level Investigator

Naples, FL · On-site

$43K - $53K/yr

Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you ... A background check will be conducted, in accordance to the local state law and regulations. Job ...

Entry-Level Investigator

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$48K - $59K/yr

Our Full-Time Entry-Level Field Investigator position will help launch your career by providing you ... A background check will be conducted, in accordance to the local state law and regulations.

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Background Investigator information

See salary details

$30.5K

$70.1K

$114K

How much do entry level background investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 in the Entry Level Background Investigator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Background Investigator, you need strong attention to detail, analytical thinking skills, and preferably a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with background screening databases, public records systems, and case management software is often required. Exceptional communication, organizational skills, and discretion help candidates excel when gathering sensitive information and reporting findings. These skills and qualities are critical to ensure accurate, thorough investigations and maintain the trust and confidentiality expected by both employers and clients.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Entry Level Background Investigator?

As an Entry Level Background Investigator, your daily tasks will include researching public records, conducting interviews with references, preparing written investigative reports, and verifying information such as employment history, criminal records, or education credentials. You may also interact with clients or team leaders to clarify investigative requirements and coordinate next steps. The position often involves working independently, though you’ll collaborate with internal teams and occasionally external contacts to gather accurate information. This role helps build valuable skills in interviewing, detailed reporting, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

What is an Entry Level Background Investigator job?

An Entry Level Background Investigator is responsible for conducting research and interviews to verify individuals' backgrounds for security clearance or employment purposes. They gather information from various sources, including public records, personal references, and subject interviews. The role requires attention to detail, analytical skills, and adherence to legal and confidentiality guidelines. Typically, investigators compile reports summarizing their findings for government agencies or private employers. Training is often provided, and the job may involve both remote and field work.

More about Entry Level Background Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Background Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level 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 Entry Level Background Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Background Investigator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Background Investigator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% As Needed, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,123 per year, or $33.7 per hour.
Investigator 1

Investigator 1

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site, Remote

$46K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description The Iowa Department of Revenue's Alcohol & Tax Compliance Division is seeking an Investigator 1 that will join the Alcohol Regulation team. The Compliance Division oversees all facets of tax processing, issuances of business permits, and alcohol regulation throughout the state. From the receipt of individual and business tax returns and payments, audits and collections, to routine compliance inspections and regulatory verification of alcohol-licensed and tobacco-permitted establishments, this division is tasked with upholding, enforcing and educating taxpayers and licensees on Iowa's laws and regulations.

In this position you will be responsible for: Performing a variety of general entry-level investigative activities of limited complexity within the Alcohol & Tax Compliance Division's Alcohol Regulation Bureau. Conducting alcohol and tobacco compliance inspections and preparing reports to document outcomes of each inspection. Traveling throughout the State up to 80% of the time with varied hours to conduct inspections.

Hours of work could include evenings and even weekends. Assisting in the investigation of complaints submitted to the Department by members of the public, industry members, and other government agencies alleging violations of alcoholic beverage and tobacco statues, rules and regulations. Entry-level financial-based examinations of licensees/permittees on an as-needed basis.

Entry-level duties have limited scope, including site visits and desk examinations and interviews. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of all current and new rules and regulations that are issued by the Department in regard to Iowa's alcohol laws. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the following: Professional experience in work that requires conducting investigations and writing clear, comprehensive, and accurate records of fact that ultimately arrive at a conclusion or recommendation.

Current or previous work in a field that requires the use of investigative techniques. Professional experience working independently, off-site, and without direct supervision. Professional experience interacting with a diverse population and dealing with customers while fostering positive interaction.

Job Specific Competencies: Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Employer Highlights The Iowa Department of Revenue is a well-respected employer. We are focused on providing excellent customer service, while offering a wonderful team atmosphere, work-life balance, free parking, and casual attire. We offer a flexible working environment and opportunities to work from home with the ability to work from anywhere in the State of Iowa as long as it is your primary residence.

We have a great total compensation package for all of our full-time employees, including: Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Investors Club (RIC) Flexible Working Environment- Work from Home Opportunities Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Vacation Leave Sick Leave Paid Holidays (9 days/year) Flexible Spending Accounts Life Insurance Long-Term Disability Insurance The mission of the Iowa Department of Revenue is to serve Iowans through the responsible collection and generation of revenue to support the public good. If you're looking for a career with an organization that values its employees and customers, you've come to the right place. Applicants must live within the State of Iowa to qualify for this position.

A background check, including a criminal history check, fingerprint and Iowa tax filing check, will be conducted on the final candidate. Effective July 1st, 2025, all Department of Revenue staff and their household will not be able to play any Iowa Lottery games. E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance or law; OR graduation from a four-year accredited college or university and experience equal to one year of full-time work requiring knowledge in law enforcement, corrections, or general or criminal investigation; OR a combination of education and experience substituting one year of the above qualifying full-time experience for each 30 semester hours of the required general college or university course work; OR employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to two years of full-time work in classes providing journey level knowledge, abilities, and skills in agency unemployment insurance or public assistance benefit programs, law enforcement, corrections or administrative hearings procedures. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.


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About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939