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Public Records Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maricopa County

Public Records Specialist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$21.25 - $34.50/hr

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the enhancement of public records practices ... Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or ...

American Oversight

Investigator

Washington, DC · Remote

$62K - $78K/yr

The Investigator will use public records and open-source intelligence to pursue rigorous, high-impact investigations into government corruption, abuses of power, and the erosion of democratic norms ...

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Austin, TX · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Research public records to gather information * Ensure that all investigations are conducted in accordance with legal and ethical standards * Provide clear and concise reports summarizing ...

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Salem, OR · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Research public records to gather information for a criminal defense case * Ensure that all investigations are conducted in accordance with legal and ethical standards * Provide clear and concise ...

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Addison, TX · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Research public records to gather information * Ensure that all investigations are conducted in accordance with legal and ethical standards * Provide clear and concise reports summarizing ...

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Public Records Investigator information

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$28.5K

$76.6K

$137.5K

How much do public records investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for public records 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 Public Records Investigator vs Background Investigator?

AspectPublic Records InvestigatorBackground Investigator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer additional certifications in investigations or law enforcementOften requires similar credentials, with some roles favoring security or criminal justice certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based with fieldwork involving public records researchOffice and fieldwork, including interviews and document review
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, law enforcement, private investigation firmsEmployers include private firms, government agencies, and corporations
Search & Comparison IntentResearching public records for investigations or complianceConducting background checks for employment or security clearance

While both roles involve investigation skills and work with records, Public Records Investigators focus on accessing and analyzing public records, whereas Background Investigators conduct comprehensive background checks, often including interviews and personal history assessments.

What are some common challenges faced by public records investigators and how can they be addressed?

Public Records Investigators often encounter challenges such as navigating complex bureaucratic processes, dealing with incomplete or outdated information, and ensuring compliance with privacy laws. To address these issues, it's important to develop strong research skills, maintain attention to detail, and build relationships with relevant agencies. Familiarity with state and federal records systems, as well as ongoing education on legal guidelines, can greatly enhance efficiency and accuracy in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public records investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Records Investigator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with laws governing public records, often supported by a degree in criminal justice or a related field. Proficiency in using databases, public records management systems, and information retrieval tools is typically required. Excellent communication, discretion, and critical thinking are vital soft skills for gathering and verifying sensitive information. These abilities are essential to ensure accurate, lawful, and efficient handling of public records inquiries and investigations.

What is a public records investigator?

A Public Records Investigator is a professional who locates, examines, and verifies public records to gather information for legal, governmental, or business purposes. They often search databases, court records, property documents, and other public sources to find evidence or confirm facts. Their work may support background checks, legal investigations, or compliance with regulations. Public Records Investigators must be detail-oriented, understand privacy laws, and know how to access various public information sources.
More about Public Records Investigator jobs
What states have the most Public Records Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Records Investigator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Records Investigator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Records Investigator jobs are:
Public Records Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Records Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 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.

Public Records Investigative Specialist

HireRight

Tulsa, OK • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

HireRight rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 488 rated business services

Job description

HireRight is the premier global background screening and workforce solutions provider. We bring clarity and confidence to vetting and hiring decisions through integrated, tailored solutions, driving a higher standard of accuracy in everything we do. Combining in-house talent, personalized services, and proprietary technology, we ensure the best candidate experience possible. PBSA accredited and based in Nashville, TN we offer expertise from our regional centers across 200 countries and territories in The Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Our commitment to get it right every time, everywhere, makes us the trusted partner of businesses and organizations worldwide.


Responsible for investigating court records and other sources to obtain information and make decisions to return data to our customers based on Federal, State, Client and HireRight Reporting Guidelines.


Other duties may also be assigned.


  • Contact courts and other government agencies as assigned to find additional information in order to complete the background check
  • Process and complete background reports according to reporting guidelines and standards
  • Maintain in-depth working knowledge of all guidelines and must pass quizzes on all reporting guidelines when assigned
  • Ensure accurate and prompt turnaround on all reports
  • Provide timely follow-up and follow through on all requests, reports, and escalations
  • Track and report issues with our business partners
  • Continued training and passing of quizzes on new or updated knowledge of processes
  • Subject Matter Expert for all states (level A, and B states)

Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required

Experience: 

  • Prior experience in administrative support, data entry, customer service, or research-oriented roles is a plus.
  • Stable, long-term work history with a track record of reliability and consistency in previous roles.
  • Proven ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
  • Comfortable using computers, web-based systems, and online databases to locate and verify information.
  • Strong skills in internet-based research — able to find and confirm data efficiently using multiple sources.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for corresponding with courts and other agencies by phone, email, or fax.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
  • Self-motivated and works with a sense of urgency, ensuring records are completed and verified in a timely manner.

No prior experience in court records or criminal justice required — we provide full training on processes and systems.

Optional Industry Specific Experience:

  • Experience within in public records, judicial records, criminal records, related field and/or training
  • Knowledge within the background screening industry (familiarity with reading court cases, terminology, court record filing, etc.) 
  • Problem solving and troubleshooting
  • Must have ability and curiosity to identify root cause and resolve complex issues 

In exchange for your expertise, HireRight offers an excellent employee benefit package which includes:


• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Paid Life/AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K
• Generous Vacation and Sick Program
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Education Assistance Program
• Business Casual Attire
• Generous Referral Program
• Employee Discounts and Rewards
• And much more!


*All resumes are held in confidence. Only candidates whose profiles closely match requirements will be contacted during this search.
HireRight, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Minorities / Females / Veterans / Disabilities
HireRight does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of HireRight and HireRight will not be obligated to pay a placement fee

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