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Polygraph Examiner Background Investigator Jobs

TechWise

Polygraph Administrator

Alexandria, VA

... background documentation, and complete all appropriate data entries of examination Essential ... investigation * Applicants should have levels of professional and personal integrity ...

TechWise

Polygraph Administrator

Alexandria, VA · On-site

... background documentation, and complete all appropriate data entries of examination Essential ... investigation * Applicants should have levels of professional and personal integrity ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Polygrapher PT

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$1.6K - $2.1K/wk

Polygraph Examiner Under general supervision, this position interviews and conducts polygraph ... Requires a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state and federal criminal ...

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Polygraph Examiner Background Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do polygraph examiner background investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for polygraph examiner background investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a polygraph examiner background investigator?

Polygraph Examiner Background Investigators are professionals trained to conduct background investigations and administer polygraph (lie detector) tests, often for law enforcement or government agencies. Their role includes verifying the accuracy of information provided by applicants or subjects, detecting deception, and ensuring candidates meet the trustworthiness standards required for sensitive positions. They use specialized interviewing techniques and interpret physiological data from polygraph tests to assess truthfulness. This position requires knowledge of investigative procedures, ethics, and polygraph technology.

What are some common challenges faced by polygraph examiner background investigators in their daily work?

Polygraph Examiner Background Investigators often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads while ensuring each investigation is thorough and unbiased. They must navigate complex interviews, sometimes with uncooperative or nervous subjects, and accurately interpret physiological data from polygraph tests. Additionally, maintaining strict confidentiality and adhering to evolving legal and ethical standards is crucial. Collaboration with law enforcement and other agencies is frequent, requiring excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a polygraph examiner background investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Polygraph Examiner Background Investigator, you generally need expertise in investigative interviewing, understanding of criminal justice principles, and specialized training or certification in polygraph examination. Familiarity with polygraph instrumentation, data analysis software, and relevant legal or regulatory systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, objectivity, and attention to detail help build rapport, elicit information, and maintain integrity in sensitive investigations. These skills ensure accurate assessments, uphold ethical standards, and contribute to the reliability and credibility of background investigations.

What is the difference between Polygraph Examiner Background Investigator vs Background Investigator?

AspectPolygraph Examiner Background Investigator
CredentialsTypically requires polygraph certification, background investigation training, and security clearances
Work EnvironmentConducts polygraph tests and background checks in controlled settings, often for law enforcement or government agencies
Employer & IndustryEmployers include law enforcement, government agencies, and private security firms
Job FocusCombines polygraph testing with background investigation to assess honesty and integrity

While both roles involve background checks, a Polygraph Examiner Background Investigator uniquely combines polygraph testing with traditional background investigations, often requiring specialized certifications and security clearances. Background Investigators may perform interviews and research but do not typically conduct polygraph exams.

What states have the most Polygraph Examiner Background Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Polygraph Examiner Background Investigator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Polygraph Examiner Background Investigator jobs?

For Polygraph Examiner Background Investigator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Polygraph Examiner Background Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Polygraph Examiner

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

Central Intelligence Agency
10K+ employees
Learn more about Central Intelligence Agencyexternal

$70K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Summary
Polygraph Examiners assess the credibility of individuals as part of the personnel security process, determine eligibility for access to classified information, and interpret physiological data.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a Polygraph Examiner for CIA, you will assess the credibility of individuals in support of CIA's mission. Your career at CIA as a Polygraph Examiner begins with a four-year tour of duty primarily located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. You must be a federally certified polygraph examiner or be willing and able to complete CIA's Polygraph Examiner Program which provides training and certification to meet this requirement. Upon successful completion of the federal Polygraph Examiner Program, you will receive Polygraph Premium Pay, a significant addition to your base salary. After your initial four-year tour, you may express interest for additional polygraph tours to hone your expertise or seek new skills through other opportunities in the Office of Security.
Polygraph examiners typically conduct two polygraph sessions per day and must work an alternate work schedule comprised of one week of 9-hour days and a second week with three 9- hour days, an 8-hour day, and Friday of that week off. This is known as a 5/4-9 schedule and results in a three-day weekend every other week. This schedule can make for a fast paced, demanding, and, at times, unrelenting job, but the challenge is worth it.
Domestic and foreign travel opportunities may be available after a proven record of performance.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be physically in the United States or one of its territories when you submit your resume via MyLINK.
  • You must be registered for the Selective Service, if applicable.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age (dual-national US citizens are eligible).
  • You must be willing to move to the Washington, DC area.
  • You must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview, and a comprehensive background investigation.
  • For further information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/how-we-hire/

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Analytic skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a broad cross-section of society, sometimes under stressful conditions
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
  • Confidence to have your work scrutinized and the grace to accept feedback
  • High levels of trustworthiness, tenacity, professional and personal integrity, and loyalty to the United States
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation

Desired Qualifications
  • Professional experience or training/certification in interviewing, investigation or elicitation
  • Ability to "think on your feet" and adapt in a fast-paced environment
  • Current or previously qualified federal polygraph examiner certification
  • Knowledge of counterintelligence arena
  • Experience working with Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (SEAD 4).

Education
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (applicants within one year of earning a four-year degree will be considered); there is no preferred major or program of study (degrees from foreign academic institutions are accepted, but you are responsible for obtaining and providing CIA with a credential evaluation from an accredited firm confirming that the foreign degree is the equivalent of a BA/BS and/or MA/MS degree conferred by a U.S. college or university).
  • At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale is preferred

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
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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.
Review our 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.

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