1

Federal Polygraph Examiner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Bridgeton, MO ยท On-site

$32.34/hr

... examination, polygraph examination and psychological evaluation. Essential Duties and ... Carries out all duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances ...

... examination, polygraph examination and psychological evaluation. Essential Duties and ... Carries out all duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances ...

Police Officer

Bridgeton, MO ยท On-site

$32.34/hr

... examination, polygraph examination and psychological evaluation. Essential Duties and ... Carries out all duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances ...

Position requires TS/SCI with successful polygraph examination * Preferred: Individuals with an ... Citizenship * Federal requirements mandate that all applicants for this position must be U.S ...

Police Officer

Bloomfield, CT ยท On-site

$84K/yr

... federal, state and local laws. The Town of Bloomfield offers a rewarding career in a progressive ... The polygraph examination will include investigation and background areas mentioned above, as well ...

Position requires TS/SCI with successful polygraph examination * Preferred: Individuals with an ... Citizenship * Federal requirements mandate that all applicants for this position must be U.S ...

Position requires TS/SCI with successful polygraph examination * Preferred: Individuals with an ... Federal requirements mandate that all applicants for this position must be U.S. citizens.

Active TS/SCI with Polygraph required. Must be willing to undergo a polygraph examination ... federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from ...

Corrections Officer

Yakima, WA ยท On-site

$5.1K - $6.1K/mo

... polygraph examination, psychological examination, medical examination, drug screening, and a ... Meet State and Federal laws to possess and carry a firearm and must be able to meet and maintain ...

Corrections Officer - Lateral

Yakima, WA ยท On-site

$5.6K - $6.1K/mo

... polygraph examination, psychological examination, medical examination, drug screening, and a ... Meet State and Federal laws to possess and carry a firearm and must be able to meet and maintain ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Federal Polygraph Examiner information

See salary details

$33.5K

$61.4K

$99K

How much do federal polygraph examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 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.

How much do FBI polygraph examiners make?

FBI polygraph examiners typically earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience and location. They often hold specialized training and security clearances, and the role involves administering polygraph tests to assess truthfulness in investigations.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Federal Polygraph Examiner can earn around $10,000 or more per month, especially with experience and specialized training, as they conduct lie detector tests for law enforcement and government agencies. These roles typically require certification and security clearances but not a traditional college degree. High-level examiners working in federal agencies often have significant experience and may work overtime or on high-stakes cases to reach this income level.

Are polygraph examiners in high demand?

Federal polygraph examiners are in steady demand due to the specialized nature of their work in law enforcement, security, and government agencies. Employment opportunities often depend on government budgets, security needs, and the examiner's experience and certifications, with job stability generally being high in this field.

How to become a federal polygraph examiner?

To become a federal polygraph examiner, candidates typically need a background in law enforcement, psychology, or a related field, along with specialized training in polygraph techniques from an accredited program. Applicants must pass a thorough background check, complete federal employment requirements, and often obtain certification from the American Polygraph Association or equivalent agencies. Experience in interviewing and interrogation is also beneficial.

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:

Police Officer (Lateral Transfer)

U.S. Capitol Police

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$86K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Summary
The United States Capitol Police (USCP) safeguards the Congress, Members of Congress, employees, visitors, and Congressional buildings and grounds from crime, disruption, and terrorism. The USCP protects and secures Congress so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure, and open environment.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
A United States Capitol Police Officer LP-0083 performs a full range of police duties and responsibilities:
  • Enforces Federal and District of Columbia laws and regulations, and enforces USCP rules and regulations relating to law enforcement.
  • Physically protects the U.S. Capitol complex (buildings and grounds), Members of Congress, visitors, and staff from threats of crime and disruption; preserves law and order; and serves as a deterrent to crime and other violations of laws, rules, and regulations.
  • Takes charge of accidents and crime scenes, restricting access to crime scenes; observes, stops, and questions suspicious persons.
  • Prepares reports and testifies in court.
  • Performs protective services, safeguards Federally-owned buildings and property, and protects government equipment and property.
  • Upon successfully completing training and a probationary period, time-in-grade requirements and all experience requirements, future competitive promotions are available to advance to other duties-a higher rank or an officer assignment within a specialized area. USCP specialized areas include, e.g., Special Operations Division, Canine Section, Containment Emergency Response Division, Dignitary Protection Division, Intelligence Analysis Division, Intelligence Operations Division, Criminal Investigations Section, Threat Assessment Section, and Hazardous Incident Response Division.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
Your completed application and required documents must be submitted by the closing date of this vacancy announcement to receive further consideration. Your online application and answers to the attached assessment questionnaire will be reviewed and evaluated. As a result of this initial review, qualified applicants will be required to submit additional biographical information and supporting documents. A list of these documents will be provided to you during the selection process. For further consideration, qualified candidates will be required to submit an Authorization for Release form and additional information via a Personal History Statement (PHS) for further pre-employment screening. The information provided, along with a review of a candidate's credit, criminal history, and their driving record, will be reviewed. ESOPH is an automated system used by investigators to efficiently manage background investigations. Candidates will receive an e-mail from ESOPH, where they will be instructed to provide their Personal History Statement (PHS). Initial Assessment Phase Following the pre-employment screening, candidates may be invited to participate in the Initial Assessment Phase of the USCP hiring process, all facets of which will be conducted virtually at a location of their choice. This phase consists of an Orientation. It provides the applicant with an overview of the USCP and its hiring process.
Qualifications
Must have completed any of the following: FLETC UPTP; FLETA
accredited military or other equivalent police training program; or CBP training programs (USBPI or
CBPOPT). Certificate must be included with application.
Must be current Law Enforcement and possess 9 months of law enforcement experience post training at time of
application. Must possess 52 weeks of law enforcement experience at time
of appointment.
Must be current law enforcement
employed outside of USCP.
Examination Phase
The Examination Phase consists of psychological, medical and polygraph
examinations. This will be a candidate's first required visit to
our office in Washington, D.C. during the hiring process. Efforts will be made
to schedule these examinations consecutively to eliminate return visits to
complete the examinations.
โ€ข Psychological - Candidates complete
a battery of psychological assessments and a clinical interview. The
psychological examination will last approximately four to six hours.
Candidates are encouraged to be well-rested and eat prior to the examination.
The psychological exam will occur online and require the use of a desktop or
laptop computer, camera, and microphone.
โ€ข Medical - The medical examination will determine if a candidate is medically
qualified to perform the functional requirements of the job. Candidates
will be required to fast (abstain from food) prior to the medical examination.
โ€ข Polygraph - The polygraph examination is used to confirm information obtained
through the selection process.
Background Investigation
The final phase of the selection process requires candidates to undergo a full
background investigation that will include a thorough review and verification
of the candidate's employment history, employer, residential, and personal
references, in depth criminal and credit history, and academic records.
Must be a United States citizen.
Must meet position age requirements.
Must possess and maintain a valid REAL ID U.S. driver's license.
Must show evidence of responsible driving in the last one year.
Male applicants must be registered for Selective Service.
Travel for hiring assessments and training is at applicant's expense.
Must successfully complete a full field background investigation.
Polygraph, medical assessment, criminal, credit, and tax check required.
Must successfully complete all required training.
Must successfully complete a probationary period.
Must have completed any of the following: FLETC UPTP; FLETA accredited military or other equivalent police training program; or CBP training programs (USBPI or CBPOPT). Certificate must be attached to the application
Must be in a full and unrestricted
duty status at the time of application and at the time of appointment.
Candidates must meet the following
requirements to be minimally qualified for this position:
U.S. Citizenship Only United States Citizens will receive
consideration. Qualified applicants will be required to provide proof of
citizenship early in the selection process. Naturalized citizens must be able
to participate and complete a holistic and verifiable background investigation
of their personal and professional background.
Age
Requirements - Sworn officer positions with the USCP are subject to the
mandatory retirement provisions of the Capitol Police Retirement Act, which
requires an officer to separate/retire from the USCP by age 57, but as the
result of current critical mission requirement, the age has been increased to
59.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old
at time of appointment and ordinarily not older than 37. However, the maximum
entry age has been increased to 39 years of age at the time of appointment (or
40 years of age if the individual turns 40 in the same month of their initial
appointment), with required mandatory retirement after 20 years of Federal law
enforcement service (e.g., employed at 39 years of age and retire at 59 years
of age).
โ€ข As a lateral transfer, you may be older than age 39 only if you are currently serving in or you previously served in, a Federal civilian law enforcement position that is subject to the mandatory retirement rules AND the years of law enforcement you already served PLUS the expected years you will serve as a USCP law enforcement officer, will allow you to accumulate at least 20 years of combined total Federal law enforcement service by age 59. If age 39 or above, must provide an SF-50 with application that indicates retirement coverage by special law enforcement retirement provisions.
Education High School diploma or GED certificate is required.
Valid Driver's License Applicants must possess a valid REAL ID U.S. driver's license that has not been revoked or under suspension for the past one (1)
year.
Criminal History Check Must successfully pass a comprehensive criminal
history check of the past 10 years.
โ€ข A criminal history check will be performed on all qualified applicants.
โ€ข USCP Police Officers are required to possess a firearm and
ammunition. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of
domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition and are
ineligible for the position.
Credit Check Must successfully pass a credit check. Applicants must not
be in default or delinquent on any Federal guaranteed student loans.
Selective Service Registration Male applicants must provide
verification of registration with the Selective Service System or must verify
exemption from the Selective Service System registration because of age or
military status. Female applicants are exempt from Selective Service System
registration. https://www.sss.gov/verify
Fingerprint Check Applicants' fingerprints will be submitted to the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a check of the criminal history
record.
Background Investigation Must successfully complete all components of
the USCP full field background investigation.
There are few automatic grounds for rejection in the USCP background
investigation process. Issues of misconduct, such as illegal drug use, arrests,
or convictions may not be automatically disqualifying. However, deliberate
misstatements, omissions, or intentionally withholding required information at
any phase of the hiring process will result in a candidate's disqualification
regardless of the nature or reason for the misstatement or omission. The
primary reason candidates fail a background investigation is due to deliberately
withholding or omitting material facts. Providing false and/or misleading
information may be grounds for removal from the application and selection
process.
Education
High School diploma or GED certificate is required. Must have completed any of the following: Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Uniform Police Training Program (UPTP); FLETA accredited military or other equivalent police training program; or Customs and Border Patrol training programs (USBPI or CBPOPT).
Additional information
The USCP offers a competitive starting salary of $83,362. Upon validation of current annual base salary, selectees whose base salary meets or exceeds this starting salary will receive a base salary offer that equals or exceeds their current annual base salary. A recruitment bonus will be provided. $5,000 will be provided following appointment with another $5,000 provided following completion of 18 months of service. Provision of these payments requires the execution of a two year service agreement with the Department. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, life and long-term care insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, flexible spending accounts, and access to an employee assistance program. USCP employees are covered under the law enforcement provisions of the Federal Employees Retirement System. Student Loan Repayment Program Incentive up to $10,000 annually with a maximum of $80,000 per employee and is subject to budget availability. Upon receipt of proper certification, sick leave balances will be transferred from other branches of the Federal Government. While previous creditable Federal service is used to determine the appropriate leave category, annual leave balances are transferable only from other Legislative Branch organizations. Transit subsidy benefits for your commuting costs may be provided to you as a tax-free benefit. USCP has several on-site state of the art fitness centers with access to personal trainer consultants and locker room facilities. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The USCP is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with applicable federal laws, rules, and regulations. FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT: This position is non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act provisions
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.