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Federal Background Investigators information

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$30.5K

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How much do federal background investigators jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal background investigators 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 Federal Background Investigators vs Federal Security Screeners?

AspectFederal Background InvestigatorsFederal Security Screeners
Required CredentialsBackground check training, security clearance, sometimes certificationsBasic security training, certification often required
Work EnvironmentOffices, government agencies, field investigationsAirports, government buildings, security checkpoints
Employer & IndustryFederal agencies, law enforcement, investigative firmsTransportation security, federal agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Federal Background Investigators focus on conducting detailed background checks for federal employment or security clearance, often working in offices or investigative settings. Federal Security Screeners primarily work at security checkpoints, screening travelers and baggage. While both roles involve security, Background Investigators require more extensive background checks and investigative skills, whereas Screeners focus on immediate security screening at transportation hubs.

How to become a federal background investigator?

To become a federal background investigator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and must pass a thorough background check. The role often requires strong investigative skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with security clearance procedures, with some positions requiring specialized training or certifications. Applicants usually apply through federal agency job portals and must meet specific agency requirements.

Is it hard to become a federal background investigator?

Becoming a federal background investigator typically requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, including relevant work experience, security clearance, and passing written exams and interviews. The process can be competitive and involves thorough background checks, but candidates with strong attention to detail and relevant skills can succeed with proper preparation.
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What cities are hiring for Federal Background Investigators jobs?

Cities with the most Federal Background Investigators job openings:

What states have the most Federal Background Investigators jobs?

States with the most job openings for Federal Background Investigators jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Federal Background Investigators jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Federal Background Investigators jobs are:

Federal Background Investigators jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Background Investigators job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,123 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Background Investigator: Independent Contractor/1099 (Experienced)

1FORCE

Owens Cross Roads, AL • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Background Investigator - Independent Contractor/1099

Federal Background Investigations Division

1FORCE is currently seeking to engage with experienced Contractors and federally credentialed Background Investigators to conduct personnel security background investigations in a contractor capacity in support of our client's contracts with the federal government. We have work nationwide and if you currently hold credentials on a federal personnel security background investigations contract (or have held government credentials in the last 2 years), we want to partner to provide immediate, weekly work opportunities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Complete record searches.
  • Conduct face-to-face interviews to elicit information about applicants seeking federal positions, contract positions or positions within the military.
  • Obtain factual information from a variety of personal and record sources to produce a report of investigation, containing all pertinent facts, of an individual's background and character, in accordance with agency guidelines and instructions.
  • Investigators work from home, set their own schedules, and work independently.
  • Self-motivated, highly independent, and prepared to work non-traditional hours (i.e., evenings and weekends).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Federally credentialed and experienced investigators will have met the background investigations national training standards and have 12 months or more of consecutive experience performing executive branch investigations.
  • Superior organizational and time management skills.
  • Excellent communication skills in both oral and written formats.
  • Strong computer and typing skills for composing narrative reports of investigation in FWS and utilizing PIPS or other federally supported case management/reporting system.
  • Sufficient E&O liability, car insurance and personal insurance.

**All candidates must be a US Citizen and be able to obtain a TOP SECRET level security clearance.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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