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Independent Contractor Background Investigator Jobs

City of Portsmouth

Background Investigator

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$53K - $69K/yr

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Conducts background investigations to include collecting criminal and ... Can exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in analyzing and applying standards ...

Werner

Background Investigator

Omaha, NE · On-site

Comprehensive Application and Background Evaluation ... Independently conduct thorough reviews of driver applications and consumer reports, verifying ...

City Wide Facility Solutions

We are currently looking for Janitorial Independent Contractors to partner with to help fulfill the ... Favorable background investigation results * You can not be a sole proprietor

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Independent Contractor Background Investigator information

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How much do independent contractor background investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor background investigator in the United States is $76,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Background Investigator vs Private Investigator?

AspectIndependent Contractor Background InvestigatorPrivate Investigator
CredentialsBackground check certifications, security clearancesLicensing, investigative certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote or on-site, often contract-basedOn-site, fieldwork, surveillance
Employer/Industry UsageEmployers, government agencies, contractorsPrivate clients, individuals, businesses
Search/Comparison IntentBackground checks, employment screeningPersonal, legal, or corporate investigations

While both roles involve investigation skills, Independent Contractor Background Investigators primarily focus on background checks and employment screening, often working remotely or on a contract basis. Private Investigators conduct broader investigations, including surveillance and legal cases, often in the field. The roles share certifications and industry usage but differ in scope and work environment.

What are Independent Contractor Background Investigators?

Independent Contractor Background Investigators are professionals hired on a contract basis to conduct background checks and investigations for organizations, typically for employment or security clearance purposes. Their work involves collecting and verifying information like employment history, education, criminal records, and references. As independent contractors, they are not direct employees but work on assignments as needed, often managing their own schedules and workload. They must adhere to legal and ethical standards to ensure the accuracy and confidentiality of the information they gather.

What are some typical challenges faced by Independent Contractor Background Investigators, and how can they be managed?

Independent Contractor Background Investigators often encounter challenges such as managing diverse caseloads, meeting tight deadlines, and coordinating interviews across different time zones. Since the role is remote and self-directed, staying organized and maintaining clear communication with both clients and sources is essential. Utilizing effective time management tools, setting regular check-ins with supervisors, and adhering to industry best practices can help investigators maintain high accuracy and efficiency while handling multiple cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Independent Contractor Background Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Background Investigator, you need a solid understanding of investigative techniques, report writing, and knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, often supported by a bachelor’s degree or prior law enforcement/military experience. Familiarity with case management systems, secure data platforms, and government databases is typically required, and certifications like Federal OPM suitability may be beneficial. Attention to detail, strong time management, and excellent interpersonal communication skills help investigators build rapport and provide accurate, thorough reports. These skills are critical to ensuring investigations are conducted efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with client and legal standards.
More about Independent Contractor Background Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor Background Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Independent Contractor Background Investigator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Background Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Background Investigator jobs are:
What states have the most Independent Contractor Background Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor Background Investigator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Background Investigator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Background Investigator jobs are:
Independent Contractor Background Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Background Investigator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 38% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,607 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Background Investigator: Independent Contractor/1099 (Experienced)

1FORCE

AL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 10 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.

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