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Polygraph Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role Description The Polygraph Examiner supports enhanced vetting and polygraph operations for a U.S. government-funded law enforcement capacity-building program. Working under the direction of the ...

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 ...

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 ...

Role Description The Lead Polygraph Examiner is responsible for coordinating the administration of enhanced vetting and polygraph operations supporting a U.S. government-funded law enforcement ...

Schedule polygraph testing * Answer security related telephone calls, directs calls to the appropriate branch or office, and take messages * Research, records, and reports statistical analysis for ...

Polygraph Scheduler

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Schedule polygraph testing * Answer security related telephone calls, directs calls to the appropriate branch or office, and take messages * Research, records, and reports statistical analysis for ...

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Polygraph information

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$26

How much do polygraph jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for polygraph in the United States is $19.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Polygraph Examiner, you generally need a background in criminal justice or psychology, specialized training from an accredited polygraph school, and often law enforcement experience. Familiarity with polygraph instruments, computerized analysis software, and relevant certification (such as from the American Polygraph Association) is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, keen observation, and ethical judgment help examiners build rapport and accurately interpret examinee responses. These skills and qualifications ensure reliable testing, uphold legal standards, and maintain public trust in investigative processes.

What are some common challenges faced by polygraph examiners during interviews, and how can they be managed?

Polygraph examiners frequently encounter challenges such as nervousness or anxiety in examinees, attempts at countermeasures to distort results, and the need to maintain objectivity during sensitive investigations. Managing these challenges involves building rapport to ease examinee anxiety, adhering strictly to standardized testing protocols, and staying vigilant for signs of manipulation. Regular training and peer reviews are also essential to uphold ethical standards and ensure accurate, unbiased results.

What is a polygraph examiner?

A polygraph examiner is a trained professional who uses polygraph instruments, commonly known as lie detectors, to assess whether individuals are being truthful or deceptive during interviews. They measure physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and skin conductivity while asking a series of questions. Polygraph examiners typically work for law enforcement agencies, private firms, or government organizations, and they must adhere to strict ethical guidelines. Their findings are used as investigative tools, though polygraph results are not always admissible in court.

What is the difference between Polygraph vs Criminal Investigator?

AspectPolygraphCriminal Investigator
Required CredentialsNone mandatory; certification availableLaw enforcement academy, police academy, or related training
Work EnvironmentTesting rooms, law enforcement officesCrime scenes, courts, offices
Industry UsageUsed in law enforcement, security, and private sectorsLaw enforcement agencies, government
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for investigative rolesRelated to investigative work involving deception detection

The main difference is that a Polygraph specializes in lie detection through testing, often with minimal formal credentials, while a Criminal Investigator conducts broader investigations, typically requiring law enforcement training and experience. Both roles are integral to law enforcement but serve different functions within criminal justice.

More about Polygraph jobs
What cities are hiring for Polygraph jobs? Cities with the most Polygraph job openings:
What states have the most Polygraph jobs? States with the most job openings for Polygraph jobs include:
Infographic showing various Polygraph job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,851 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
Polygraph Examiner

Polygraph Examiner

Potomac Management Solutions

Springfield, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

MUST RESIDE IN THE DMV AREA
Work Description:
Conduct and administer CI scope polygraph examinations and Expanded Scope Screening polygraph examinations to NGA military, civilian and contractor personnel in accordance with NGA's policies, regulations, and operating instructions. Prepare, submit and maintain clear comprehensive concise and accurate polygraph charts and test results according to Federal regulations. Assist in execution of NGA's polygraph program in accordance with DoD and IC policies and regulations. Assist in the education and briefing to the NGA population the polygraph program capabilities. Make all necessary data entry of polygraph documentation as required by regulations and NGA policies. Must have and maintain Federal polygraph certification.
Duties:
  • Conduct polygraph examinations (counterintelligence scope polygraph (CSP) or expanded screening scope (ESS)) in accordance with National Credibility Center for Assessments (NCCA) standards.
  • Adhere to the Quality Control Examiner's (QCE) guidance during a test.
  • Accurately document the results and admissions of each test.
  • Record and file the results in the Personnel Security file system of record.
  • Immediately after the exam, report any areas of concern to the Quality Control Examiner (QCE) and apply the guidance provided by the QCE.
  • Conduct a minimum of two CSP exams per eight hours of work scheduled or one ESS exam per eight hours of work scheduled, unless directed otherwise by the QC
  • Experience conducting polygraph examinations (Counterintelligence Scope Polygraph (CSP)) in accordance with National Center for Credibility Assessments (NCCA) Standards.
  • Must be able to successfully conduct CI Polygraph examination, up to 2 exams per day.
  • Full-time position working 5 days per week.
  • Testing Location: Springfield, Virginia
  • 2 week Orientation in Springfield, Virginia

Requirements, Skills and Experience:
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance.
  • Must have and maintain Federal Polygraph Certification
  • 7-10+ years of related experience
  • Demonstrated expertise conducting and administering CI scope polygraph examinations.
  • Proven expertise preparing, submitting, and maintaining clear comprehensive concise and accurate polygraph charts and test results according to Federal regulations.
  • Proficient at making the necessary data entry of polygraph documentation as required by regulations and agency policies.