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Independent Contractor Background Investigator Jobs

Constellis

Experienced Background Investigator

VA

... investigation that contains all pertinent facts of an individual's background and character in ... Engage in dialogue on a regular basis with managers and representatives at contractor facilities ...

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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 Jul 31, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,607 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Background Investigator - Independent Contractor ? Remote

Peraton

Remote

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 220 rated it services

Job description

Responsibilities
PLEASE NOTE: This is a 1099 Contractor position which does not include benefits. 1099 Contractor position pay is based on work tasks and activities performed.
Peraton's Risk Decision Group is the leading provider of federal background investigation services, supporting numerous government agencies for 20+ years. We are currently seeking to fill a critical role for Remote Independent Contractors. Our staff demonstrates exceptional quality, integrity and professionalism, with a focus on National Security. We have a skilled workforce of employees and contractors covering all 50 U.S. states, to include Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
What you'll do:
Our investigative responsibilities include following operational policies when reviewing obtained information, interviewing friends and family, gathering related documents from law enforcement and credit agencies, and providing a summary of our findings to our federal government customers.
The Investigator will be responsible for the following but not limited to:
  • Conducting background investigations for the purpose of determining employment suitability of persons who require access to sensitive or classified U.S. Government information
  • Investigators will conduct Remote interviews with the subject and their neighbors, employers, friends, and family
  • Investigators will also perform record searches at police agencies, courthouses, educational and financial institutions, and medical/mental health facilities
  • Investigators report all obtained information in a clear and concise report on an issued government computer system

Qualifications
Required qualifications:
  • Candidates with 4 years of general work experience or a bachelor's degree may be considered; candidates with experience conducting federal background investigations preferred
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret eligible clearance; Active federal background investigation with a T5 adjudication is preferred
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Independent Contractor must maintain a business license. Business entities must also have an EIN obtained from the IRS and a business bank account.
  • Investigators are typically expected to work within a 50-mile radius of their home location/primary work location.
  • As an independent contractor, pay is based on work tasks/activities performed.
  • A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required. May use public transportation if available and practical. Required to carry sufficient motor vehicle insurance.
  • Intermediate typing (40+ WPM recommended) and computer skills
  • Must be able to speak for extended periods of time and hear sufficiently to communicate in person and over the phone; record, read and transcribe words and numbers with a high degree of accuracy
  • Perform in a manner that prevents errors and omissions, maintain visual ability including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and to adjust focus sufficiently to complete computer work
  • Maintain high level of confidentiality ethics and integrity

Desired qualifications:
  • Professional appearance and an ability to interact with a variety of individuals and personalities professionally and effectively
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced changing environment
  • Excellent organizational, scheduling and prioritization skills
  • Proficient writing and communication skills

Training requirements:
  • Investigators who do not have prior federal background investigations investigative experience or qualifying federal personnel security clearance investigations experience (documented training per National Training Standards) will be required to complete a New Investigator Training course. The NIT courses are inclusive of a 5 week virtual training course followed by 2 weeks of on the job training.
  • NIT classroom instruction is conducted in an all virtual environment.

#RDG
Peraton Overview
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Target Salary Range
The rate / range per hour below represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
SCA / Union / Intern Rate or Range
Contractor Rate
EEO
EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017

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