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How much do federal background investigators jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 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 are Federal Background Investigators?

Federal Background Investigators are professionals responsible for conducting thorough background checks on individuals seeking employment or security clearance with the federal government. Their work involves reviewing personal records, interviewing references, and verifying information to ensure that applicants do not pose a security risk. These investigators play a critical role in the hiring process for sensitive government positions by ensuring that only trustworthy and qualified individuals are granted access to confidential or classified information.

What are some typical challenges faced by Federal Background Investigators during the investigation process?

Federal Background Investigators often encounter challenges such as obtaining accurate and complete information from sources, dealing with uncooperative interviewees, and managing strict deadlines for case completion. Investigators must balance thoroughness with efficiency while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. Additionally, they frequently work independently in the field but also collaborate with supervisors and other investigators to resolve complex cases. Being adaptable, detail-oriented, and persistent is key to overcoming these challenges in the role.

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

To thrive as a Federal Background Investigator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of investigative procedures, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in law enforcement or investigations. Familiarity with background investigation databases, case management systems, and federal guidelines such as those outlined by OPM is essential. Excellent interpersonal communication, discretion, and critical thinking skills help investigators build rapport, conduct thorough interviews, and maintain confidentiality. These competencies ensure accurate, unbiased investigations that support national security and personnel trustworthiness.

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.

More about Federal Background Investigators jobs
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

Background Investigators (Part-Time)

Rutgers University

New Brunswick, NJ • On-site

$24 - $34/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Rutgers University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title Background Investigators (Part-Time) Posting Number 25TM0243 Department IPO-Rutgers Police-New Bruns. Overview
The Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O) employs a workforce of approximately 2,700 staff, represented by 15 collective negotiations agreements, and is responsible for institutional strategic initiatives and operations, which encompasses an expansive range of comprehensive service and business operations across the State of New Jersey. These include planning and construction, facilities, public safety and emergency operations, environmental health and safety, transportation, housing, and auxiliary/retail operations.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Background Investigator for Rutgers Police.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:
  • Review completed background interview forms of public safety candidates with each candidate, checking for inconsistencies, errors, omissions, falsifications, and minimum requirements to ensure accuracy and completion before beginning the initial candidate interview.
  • Obtains and reviews records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, and State and Municipal law enforcement records, where the candidate has resided to determine if the candidate was a witness, victim, suspect, or perpetrator of any crime; Obtains and reviews reports from credit reporting agencies in order to evaluate candidate's financial responsibility.
  • Obtains and reviews arrest reports, witness statements, discipline, employment records, and other relevant documents to determine candidate compliance with Rutgers University policies and federal and state law as applicable.
  • Conducts background investigations by interviewing employers, co-workers, neighbors, law enforcement officials, military personnel, members of the candidate's family, and personal references.
  • Makes additional inquiries to assist in determining the credibility of statements.
  • Prepare detailed and complete interview statements for each person being interviewed to allow a reviewer to draw reasonable and logical conclusions about the prospective candidates.
  • Prepares final background investigation package for presentation to supervision and management by organizing all investigative material in accordance with established procedures.
  • Meets regularly with management and/or candidate in order to keep them apprised of the status of the investigation(s).
  • Completes background packages for review and final recommendation.
FLSA Nonexempt Salary Details $24.00 - $34.00/hourly Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:
  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
  • Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Employee discounts programs
 
For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Position Status Part Time Working Hours (per week) 19.5 Daily Work Shift Work Arrangement Payroll Designation PeopleSoft Terms of Appointment Temporary Staff Appointment - Hourly
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Certifications/Licenses
  • Valid driver's license.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Read, comprehend and interpret detailed, complex written material;
  • Prepare clear, concise written reports;
  • Analyze complex ideas or activities into smaller parts; simultaneously consider numerous facts, perceive patterns and relationships, develop theories about past occurrences based on numerous small bits of information or evidence, compare and interpret information, recognize and examine discrepancies, and draw logical conclusions;
  • Manage time sufficient to prioritize and combine investigations when practicable to ensure timely completion;
  • Handle several cases at one time;
  • Utilize appropriate investigative techniques for the administrative investigation to frame a reflective image of the candidate's background;
  • Communicate and deal tactfully, persuasively, and effectively with coworkers, supervisors, management, and the public;
  • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity through tact and courtesy when dealing with individuals from various social, cultural, racial, and economic backgrounds;
  • Work cooperatively as part of a team;
  • Remain calm and focused when interviewing distraught, angry, or combative persons;
  • Demonstrate practical interpersonal skills required to discuss matters which are of a sensitive and sometimes inflammatory nature with candidates, supervisors, and management;
  • Listen, in person and on the telephone, as required to pay close attention to what is being said and ask followup questions;
  • Develop pertinent questions for interviews, perceive when the person being interviewed has not understood, rephrase/clarify questions, follow up on unanswered questions or conflicting statements and keep the interview focused on the material to be covered.
  • Positive selection standards and automatic disqualifiers as established by New Jersey Law, Rutgers University Policy, and the Police Training Commission Act;
  • Confidentiality laws and issues such as confidentiality of personnel records, handling requests for information on candidates from operating departments, the public, or the media;
  • Rationales for confidentiality sufficient to ensure the integrity and personal privacy of the candidate's background investigation file and all information contained therein;
  • Principles and practices of confidentiality sufficient to recognize actions that may compromise the integrity of investigation or investigation file documents; and
  • Principles and practices of conducting personnel investigations, including; but not limited to: interview techniques, fingerprinting procedures; criminal history checks, and social media.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior certified law enforcement officer or civilian associated with a law enforcement agency.
  • Notary
Equipment Utilized Physical Demands and Work Environment Special Conditions
  • Clean Driving Record
Posting Details
Posting Open Date 06/12/2025 Posting Close Date 06/12/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants Regional Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Rutgers University - New Brunswick City New Brunswick State NJ Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

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