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Remote Federal Background Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Remote Federal Background Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do remote federal background investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote federal 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 are some common challenges faced by Remote Federal Background Investigators and how can they be managed?

Remote Federal Background Investigators often encounter challenges such as managing complex caseloads, navigating strict federal guidelines, and conducting thorough interviews virtually. Staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and utilizing secure digital tools are crucial for success. Additionally, effective communication with both interview subjects and agency contacts helps ensure all required information is accurately gathered and reported. Continuous training and peer collaboration can also help investigators stay updated on evolving standards and best practices.

What are Remote Federal Background Investigators?

Remote Federal Background Investigators are professionals who conduct background checks and investigations for federal agencies, working primarily from a remote location. Their main responsibilities include interviewing subjects and references, reviewing documents, and compiling detailed reports about an individual's suitability for federal employment or security clearance. They play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and security of government personnel and contractors by verifying personal, professional, and criminal history. Investigators must follow strict federal guidelines and maintain confidentiality throughout the process. This position typically requires strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work independently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Federal Background Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Federal Background Investigator, you need a strong understanding of investigative procedures, excellent attention to detail, and typically a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with case management systems, secure data transmission software, and federal investigative standards is essential, and some roles may require specialized certifications or security clearances. Superior communication, critical thinking, and organization skills set top investigators apart, especially when conducting interviews and compiling thorough reports remotely. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of background investigations in support of national security and public trust.

What is the difference between Remote Federal Background Investigator vs Remote Federal Security Specialist?

AspectRemote Federal Background InvestigatorRemote Federal Security Specialist
Required CredentialsBackground check experience, security clearanceSecurity clearance, security protocols
Work EnvironmentRemote, federal agencies, background investigationsRemote, federal agencies, security assessments
Employer & IndustryFederal government, background investigation agenciesFederal government, security agencies
Common Search IntentBackground checks, investigation rolesSecurity roles, safety assessments

The Remote Federal Background Investigator primarily focuses on conducting background checks and investigations for federal agencies, requiring experience in background screening and security clearances. In contrast, the Remote Federal Security Specialist handles security assessments and protocols, often involving security clearances but with a broader focus on safety and security measures. Both roles are remote, serve federal agencies, and require security credentials, but they differ in daily responsibilities and specific expertise areas.

More about Remote Federal Background Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Remote Federal Background Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Remote Federal Background Investigator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Background Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Federal Background Investigator jobs are:
What states have the most Remote Federal Background Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Federal Background Investigator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Remote Federal Background Investigator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Federal Background Investigator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Remote Federal Background Investigator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 41% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 5% In-person, and 95% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.
Background Investigator - Independent Contractor ? Remote

Background Investigator - Independent Contractor ? Remote

Peraton

Remote

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 230 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