Investigation clerk vs background investigator

The differences between investigation clerks and background investigators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an investigation clerk has an average salary of $51,885, which is higher than the $51,076 average annual salary of a background investigator.

The top three skills for an investigation clerk include telephone calls, financial institutions and computer system. The most important skills for a background investigator are excellent time management, work ethic, and face-to-face interviews.

Investigation clerk vs background investigator overview

	Investigation Clerk	Background Investigator
Yearly salary	$51,885	$51,076
Hourly rate	$24.94	$24.56
Growth rate	-	6%
Number of jobs	66,394	4,428
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 54%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age	43	44
Years of experience	-	6

Investigation clerk vs background investigator salary

Investigation clerks and background investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Investigation Clerk	Background Investigator
Average salary	$51,885	$51,076
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $108,000	Between $28,000 And $90,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between investigation clerk and background investigator education

There are a few differences between an investigation clerk and a background investigator in terms of educational background:

	Investigation Clerk	Background Investigator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 54%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common major	Business	Criminal Justice
Most common college	SUNY at Binghamton	California State University - Bakersfield

Investigation clerk vs background investigator demographics

Here are the differences between investigation clerks' and background investigators' demographics:

	Investigation Clerk	Background Investigator
Average age	43	44
Gender ratio	Male, 22.5% Female, 77.5%	Male, 49.6% Female, 50.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 14.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 6.1% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 15.2% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 4.6% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	7%	8%

Differences between investigation clerk and background investigator duties and responsibilities

Investigation clerk example responsibilities.

Create and manage a comprehensive database allowing the easy collection, interpretation, and analysis of information relate to GAO.
Coordinate all facets of communication with OIG to include reporting allegations, coordination of investigations, and preparing all relate documentation.
Analyze provider billing practice and financial data to detect potential fraudulent practices contrary to existing Medicare or Medicaid policies.

Background investigator example responsibilities.

Participate in and lead the controlled purchase of illegal narcotics and firearms to apprehend suspects.
Conduct covert surveillance, deploy camera systems & GPS trackers, & report findings to be used in family court cases.
Provide EEO education and training.
Have top Secert ssbi clearance in JPAS
Comply with DOD site security protocols.
Conduct background investigations on behalf of CBP.

Investigation clerk vs background investigator skills

Common investigation clerk skills

Telephone Calls, 21%
Financial Institutions, 15%
Computer System, 14%
Background Checks, 13%
Customer Inquiries, 13%
Subpoenas, 12%

Common background investigator skills

Excellent Time Management, 18%
Work Ethic, 18%
Face-To-Face Interviews, 11%
National Security, 8%
Law Enforcement Agencies, 8%
Financial Institutions, 7%

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Investigation Clerk
Investigation Clerk vs Background Investigator

Updated January 8, 2025

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