▼12%
$21.76
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
/ hour
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
10%
$15.24
MEDIAN
$21.76
90%
$34.09
The average hourly pay for a Background Investigator is $21.76 in 2025
Hourly Rate
$15 - $34
Bonus
$605 - $6k
Total Pay
$33k - $73k
Is Average Early-Career Background Investigator Hourly Pay your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Background Investigators?
What Do Background Investigators Do?
Background Investigator Tasks
- Obtain necessary background reports and files.
- Investigate subjects' background and character through different sources including interviews.
- File reports, track pending reports.
- Prepare reports in compliance with organization/federal guidelines.
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Background Investigator
Medical
77%
Dental
73%
Vision
63%
None
21%
Gender Breakdown for Background Investigators
Female
59.5%
Male
38.1%
Prefer to self-define
2.4%
This data is based on 42 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Background Investigators
What is the highest pay for Background Investigators?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Background Investigator is $34.09 / hour
What is the lowest pay for Background Investigators?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Background Investigator is $15.24 / hour
How can Background Investigators increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Background Investigator is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Background Investigator that oversees more junior Background Investigators, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.