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How much do police background investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for police background investigator in the United States is $70,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police background investigator?

Police Background Investigators are professionals responsible for conducting thorough background checks on candidates applying for law enforcement positions. They verify personal, employment, criminal, financial, and educational histories to ensure applicants meet the agency's standards for integrity and trustworthiness. Their work includes interviewing references, neighbors, and previous employers, as well as reviewing documents and records. The goal is to identify any factors that may disqualify a candidate from serving as a police officer or in related roles.

What is the difference between Police Background Investigator vs Police Detective?

AspectPolice Background InvestigatorPolice Detective
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; background check; sometimes additional certificationsHigh school diploma or GED; police academy training; law enforcement certification
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, conducting interviews, reviewing recordsField and office; investigating crimes, interviewing witnesses
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, background screening firmsPolice departments, law enforcement agencies

While both roles involve law enforcement skills, Police Background Investigators focus on conducting background checks and verifying credentials, often in an office setting. Police Detectives investigate crimes, gather evidence, and work in the field. Both require law enforcement training, but Detectives typically have more extensive police academy experience and active law enforcement duties.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a police background investigator?

To thrive as a Police Background Investigator, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement procedures, investigative techniques, and typically a background in criminal justice or related field. Familiarity with case management systems, public records databases, and sometimes certifications in investigative methods or law enforcement are important. Strong attention to detail, discretion, critical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure thorough, unbiased investigations that uphold departmental standards and public trust.

What are the most common challenges faced by police background investigators during the vetting process?

Police Background Investigators frequently encounter challenges such as incomplete or inconsistent applicant information, uncooperative references, and managing tight deadlines while ensuring thoroughness. Maintaining objectivity and confidentiality is crucial, especially when handling sensitive or potentially disqualifying information. Investigators must also balance the need for detail with efficiency, often coordinating with multiple departments and external agencies to verify records and conduct interviews. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential to successfully navigate these complexities.
More about Police Background Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Police Background Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Police Background Investigator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Background Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Police Background Investigator jobs are:
What states have the most Police Background Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Background Investigator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Police Background Investigator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Police Background Investigator jobs are:
Police Background Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Background Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,123 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Background Investigator (FT Employee) - Greensburg, PA

Peraton

Greensburg, PA • On-site

$26.07/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Responsibilities
Peraton is seeking to fill a critical role for a full-time background investigator near Greensburg, PA. Applicants must reside within 20 miles of the city center of Greensburg.
What you'll do:
The Investigator will be responsible for the following but not limited to:
  • Successfully complete a full time, 6-7 week new Investigator training both virtually and in person in order to be certified in the Federal Investigative Standards for government background investigations
  • Travel daily when conducting in person background investigations for the purpose of determining employment suitability of persons who require access to sensitive or classified U.S. Government information
  • Investigators will schedule and conduct face-to-face interviews throughout their designated area 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 are required to type and report all obtained information in a clear and concise report on a government issued computer system
  • Working independently while also a member of a team of Investigators and with a Field Manager

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
  • Daily travel required locally and outside of primary work area as needed
  • Home office required
  • Temporary Duty Assignments (TDY)/remote travel ranging from 14 - 30 days away from home per TDY may be required
  • Must reside within the stated mileage requirement posted in job description
  • A valid driver's license and full time usage of reliable transportation are required. Driving is an essential function of the job and Motor Vehicle Records may be checked as part of the hiring process or at any time during employment
  • Required to carry sufficient motor vehicle insurance
  • Accurate and efficient typing capabilities (40+ WPM recommended) and ability to work within multiple computer programs concurrently
  • 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
  • Proficient grammar and writing skills in order to submit high quality reports with minimal or no errors
  • Must be able to interact professionally with others, to write for long periods of time, meet expectations for attendance and punctuality, and able to pay attention to details while conducting fieldwork
  • Maintain high level of confidentiality ethics and integrity
  • Professional attire required
  • Must be able to lift and move up to 10 pounds, climb stairs, walk extensively, endure long periods of standing and drive in adverse and/or night conditions

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

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
#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
$26.07
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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