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Federal Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Federal Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do federal investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Federal Investigator vs Customs Agent?

AspectFederal InvestigatorCustoms Agent
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree, background checks, and sometimes specialized trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; training provided by Customs and Border Protection
Work EnvironmentInvestigations in various settings, including offices, field sites, and courtsBorder crossings, ports, airports, and inspection stations
Employer & IndustryFederal agencies like FBI, DEA, or ATFU.S. Customs and Border Protection
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for investigative roles in federal law enforcementCompared for border security and customs enforcement roles

Federal Investigators and Customs Agents both work in federal law enforcement but focus on different areas. Federal Investigators conduct criminal investigations across various agencies, while Customs Agents focus on border security and customs enforcement. Both roles require federal employment, but their work environments, responsibilities, and training differ significantly.

How to become a federal investigator?

To become a federal investigator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and must pass a background check and physical fitness test. Many agencies require specialized training at a federal law enforcement academy and may prefer candidates with skills in investigation, law enforcement, or criminal justice.

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

To thrive as a Federal Investigator, you need strong analytical abilities, investigative experience, and a relevant degree (often in criminal justice or a related field), along with eligibility for federal clearance. Familiarity with case management systems, forensic tools, and evidence-gathering technology is essential, and some roles require specialized certifications like Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or background in law enforcement. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and ethical judgment help investigators excel when interviewing witnesses and preparing reports. These skills ensure thorough, lawful investigations that support national security and uphold justice.

What is a typical day like for a federal investigator, and how do they collaborate with other agencies?

A typical day for a Federal Investigator often involves gathering and analyzing evidence, conducting interviews, preparing detailed reports, and sometimes testifying in court. Collaboration with other agencies—such as local law enforcement, state agencies, or other federal departments—is common, especially on complex or multi-jurisdictional cases. Investigators may participate in task forces or joint operations, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills. Work can be both office-based and field-oriented, depending on the stage and nature of the investigation.

What does a federal investigator do?

A Federal Investigator is responsible for conducting investigations on behalf of federal agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, or Department of Homeland Security. Their duties include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, analyzing records, and preparing detailed reports related to criminal, civil, or administrative cases. They may be involved in investigating fraud, public corruption, security clearances, or other violations of federal law. Federal Investigators often work closely with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other government personnel to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of their investigations.
More about Federal Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Federal Investigator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Federal Investigator jobs are:
What states have the most Federal Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Investigator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Federal Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

$54K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Qualifications:GL-09: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-07 level or pay band in the Federal service(experience may have been gained in the private sector) that includes performing the following duties:
  • Experience gathering and documenting facts from various sources and producing detailed written reports.
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
  • Experience analyzing records, data, or systems to identify discrepancies, patterns, or compliance issues.
  • Experience conducting structured interviews or inquiries to gather information from people;- Consolidating gathered information to produce a detailed report that presents evidence-based findings and supports a final conclusion or recommendation for action.

GS-11: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least theGL/GS-09level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrate your ability in the following:
  • Experience conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies.-Independent Project Management.
  • Experience independently planning and executing multi-step projects or inquiries from start to finish.- Complex Data Synthesis.
  • Experience managing and synthesizing multiple streams of information (e.g., records, interviews, open-source data) to produce a comprehensive analytical product.

GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, demonstrating leadership and expertise in planning and conducting complex criminal investigations. This experience must include tasks such as:-
  • Experience serving as the lead investigator on felony-level cases (e.g., homicide, sexual assault, major fraud, espionage).
  • Experience applying advanced investigative techniques, such as court-authorized electronic surveillance.
  • Experience developing cases for federal prosecution and presenting evidence to a U.S. Attorney's Office.
  • Experience applying provisions from the UCMJ, U.S. Code, and international law to investigations.

GS-13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level that demonstrates mastery of the investigative field and the ability to operate at a strategic level. This experience must include tasks such as:
  • Strategic Management: Planning and managing large-scale, multi-jurisdictional, or transnational investigations.
  • Policy Development: Developing or influencing agency-wide investigative policies, procedures, or doctrine.
  • Expert Consultation: Providing expert technical advice to senior leadership on critical law enforcement operations.
  • Advanced Intelligence Fusion: Collecting and analyzing operational and strategic intelligence from a wide range of sources, including federal, state, local, military, and foreign government partners.
Additionally, NCIS is seeking applicants with experience for the following specialized position:
NATIONAL SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS:
Competitive candidates will possess one or more of the following:
- Experience leading complex counterintelligence (CI), counter-terrorism (CT), Defense Critical Infrastructure (DCI) or research/technology protection (RTP) investigations, collections, and/or operations.
- Experience in drafting and obtaining affidavits, applications and correspondence, to include National Security Procedures, in support of National Security Investigations.
- Advanced training, experience, or education in engineering, supply chain management/protection, insider threat, fraud examination, or forensic accounting supporting National Security activities.
- Advanced training or certification in CI/CT disciplines.
- Experience working joint efforts with the Military Department Counterintelligence Organizations or Military Criminal Investigative Organizations (NCIS/AFOSI/ACI/DACID).
- Based on an individual applicants training, experience and technical qualifications, NCIS Special Agent Training Program may be waived for a modified training and assessment program through the NCIS Training Academy as deemed necessary.
- Placement into this specialty will be based on background, specialized training, geographic field office availability, mission specific field offices, training directorate, and HQ program oversight.
- Current Federal Law Enforcement Officer (1811): Current employment as a federal law enforcement officer holding an 1811 job series classification, as evidenced by an official Standard Form (SF) 50.
- Applicants with Federal Investigative Experience: Possess a minimum of three (3) years of federal investigative experience. This must include service as a credentialed member of a Military Criminal Investigative Organization (MCIO) while on active duty; e.g. Navy Special Agents or Marine Special Agents who have completed assignments at an NCIS field office.
- Successful completion of a basic criminal investigator training program at an academy accredited by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA). Examples include, but are not limited to, the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), FBI Academy, DEA Academy, and the US Army CIDSAC.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/1811
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Qualifications:
NCIS is seeking a diverse pool of applicants who demonstrate a strong balance of education, life experience, and commitment. Stand-out skills such as fluency in critical languages (e.g., Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Korean) or a background in STEM fields are highly desirable. Current Special Agents (1811) with documented experience, can generally be hired at their current pay level. Applicants will be evaluated for the appropriate grade level (GL-9 to GS-13) based on the scope and complexity of your specialized experience and education.
The following criteria identifies preferred education and experience for best qualified ranking:
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (preferably in computer technology, forensics, criminal justice, and information technology)
  • Federal Investigative Experience: Possess a minimum of three (3) years of federal investigative experience. This must include service as a credentialed member of a Military Criminal Investigative Organization (MCIO) while on active duty.
  • Federal Law Enforcement Officer (1811): Current employment as a federal law enforcement officer holding an 1811 job series classification, as evidenced by an official Standard Form (SF) 50.
  • Successful completion of a basic criminal investigator training program at an academy accredited by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA). Examples include, but are not limited to, the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), FBI Academy, DEA Academy, and the US Army CIDSAC.

GL-09: SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE:
master's or equivalent graduate degree

or

2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree

or

LL.B. or J.D., if related.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.
GS-11: SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE:
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

or

3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree

or

LL.M., if related
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.Employment Type: OTHER

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