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Federal Polygraph Examiner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Federal Standards * Conduct polygraph examinations and interviews: * Collect and review all ... applicable forms * Obtain audio recordings of polygraph examinations as directed * Properly ...

... Federal Standards * Conduct polygraph examinations and interviews: * Collect and review all ... applicable forms * Obtain audio recordings of polygraph examinations as directed * Properly ...

$129K/yr

Please see Polygraph Examination . Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request ...

New

$129K/yr

Please see Polygraph Examination . Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request ...

New

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Federal Polygraph Examiner information

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$33.5K

$61.4K

$99K

How much do federal polygraph examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal polygraph examiner in the United States is $61,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Federal Polygraph Examiners in their daily work?

Federal Polygraph Examiners often encounter challenges such as managing examinee anxiety, interpreting inconclusive results, and adhering to strict procedural standards. They must build rapport with individuals being tested while maintaining objectivity and professionalism. Additionally, balancing a heavy caseload, staying up to date on evolving technology, and navigating complex legal and ethical considerations can be demanding. Collaboration with investigators, legal professionals, and other law enforcement personnel is frequent, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills.

What is the difference between Federal Polygraph Examiner vs Criminal Investigator?

AspectFederal Polygraph ExaminerCriminal Investigator
CredentialsPolygraph certification, law enforcement backgroundLaw enforcement training, criminal justice degree
Work EnvironmentFederal agencies, controlled settings, polygraph labsField investigations, offices, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryFederal agencies like FBI, DHSFederal, state, or local law enforcement agencies

Federal Polygraph Examiners primarily conduct lie detector tests within federal agencies, focusing on truth verification. Criminal Investigators gather evidence and solve crimes, often using various investigative techniques. While both roles are within law enforcement, their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Federal Polygraph Examiner, you need a background in criminal justice or psychology, completion of specialized polygraph training, and often prior law enforcement experience. Proficiency with polygraph instrumentation, data analysis software, and knowledge of federal testing protocols is required, as is certification from an accredited polygraph school. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, attention to detail, and the ability to remain impartial under pressure distinguish successful examiners. These skills ensure accurate examinations, uphold legal standards, and support national security or law enforcement objectives.

What are Federal Polygraph Examiners?

Federal Polygraph Examiners are professionals who administer polygraph (lie detector) tests for federal agencies to assess the truthfulness of individuals during investigations or background checks. They use specialized equipment to measure physiological responses such as heart rate, respiration, and skin conductivity while asking structured questions. Their work supports national security, law enforcement, and personnel vetting by helping to determine credibility. Federal Polygraph Examiners must be specially trained and certified, and they often work for agencies like the FBI, CIA, or Department of Defense.
More about Federal Polygraph Examiner jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Polygraph Examiner jobs? Cities with the most Federal Polygraph Examiner job openings:
What states have the most Federal Polygraph Examiner jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Polygraph Examiner jobs include:
Infographic showing various Federal Polygraph Examiner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, 1% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,362 per year, or $29.5 per hour.
Polygraph Administrator

Polygraph Administrator

TechWise

Alexandria, VA

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Title: Polygraph Administrator
Department: Operations
Reports to: Project Team Lead
Location: Dallas, Texas
 
Overview: TechWise is supporting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Internal Affairs (IA), Credibility Assessment Division (CAD) oversees the administering of polygraph examinations in support of Personnel Security Division’s (PSD) mission to conduct vetting of law enforcement applicants. The purpose of PSD’s vetting is to determine suitability for employment in the nation’s largest law enforcement agency. Congress passed the Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010 that requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to administer polygraph examinations to all applicants for law enforcement positions with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
 
Job Summary:  Our Polygraph Administrator will provide contractor support in order to administer polygraph examinations and other credibility assessment methodologies for all new and current Law Enforcement Officer Employees. Contractors shall collaborate, assist, and support CAD personnel in scheduling, conducting, and finalizing polygraph examinations. Contractor will also be required to provide other support services, such as, collection and review of applicant’s background documentation, and complete all appropriate data entries of examination
 
Essential Functions:  The Polygraph Administrator will provide the following technical tasks: 
Pre-test preparations which shall include:
  • Collect and review all applicable documentation
  • Complete all data analysis, pre-employment tests
  • Interview procedures with the Law Enforcement applicant in accordance with the Policy and Reference Manual with Appendices from DACA and Federal Standards
  • Conduct polygraph examinations and interviews:
  • Collect and review all applicable forms
  • Obtain audio recordings of polygraph examinations as directed
  • Properly document examinations results
  • In-test and post-test procedures with the Law Enforcement applicant in accordance with the Policy and Reference Manual with Appendices from DACA and Federal Standards
  • Polygraph Examination Report
  • Once the completion of a polygraph examination, the contractor shall provide, within three (3) business days, a complete and accurate polygraph examination report to the designated QC Manager
  • Must have been trained through the National Center for credibility Assessment (NCCA, formerly known as DCCA) 
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills a must. Must be able to work in a potentially confrontational environment on a daily basis, and must have excellent interpersonal and representational skills, and the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
  • Interested individuals must be able to make independent and empirical analysis relative to examination results and prepares reports of investigation
  • Applicants should have levels of professional and personal integrity, trustworthiness, and loyalty to the United States.