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What is a polygraph examiner and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a polygraph examiner. For example, did you know that they make an average of $36.0 an hour? That's $74,875 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 11% and produce 2,000 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScorePolygraph ExaminerUS Average
Salary
5.8

Avg. Salary $74,875

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
-

Growth rate 11%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.05%

Asian 10.49%

Black or African American 9.35%

Hispanic or Latino 16.55%

Unknown 5.96%

White 56.59%

Gender

female 15.94%

male 84.06%

Age - 35
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 35

Polygraph examiner career paths

Key steps to become a polygraph examiner

  1. Explore polygraph examiner education requirements

    Most common polygraph examiner degrees

    Bachelor's

    61.9 %

    Associate

    18.1 %

    Master's

    15.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific polygraph examiner skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Polygraph Examinations27.36%
    Test Results16.32%
    DOD12.55%
    Counterintelligence9.26%
    Criminal Justice8.95%
  3. Research polygraph examiner duties and responsibilities

    • Receive multiple letters of commendation for effective investigations that lead to successful prosecutions.
    • Complete evidence processing and AFIS database entry using ULW.
    • Collect, preserve and analyze digital evidence in the context of civil litigation and corporate investigations.
    • Assist with the testing of a new transaction manager for the DoD ABIS (an AFIS like system).
  4. Get polygraph examiner experience

  5. Prepare your polygraph examiner resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your polygraph examiner resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a polygraph examiner resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable polygraph examiner resume templates

    Build a professional polygraph examiner resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your polygraph examiner resume.
    Polygraph Examiner Resume
    Polygraph Examiner Resume
    Polygraph Examiner Resume
    Polygraph Examiner Resume
    Polygraph Examiner Resume
    Polygraph Examiner Resume
    Polygraph Examiner Resume
    Polygraph Examiner Resume
    Polygraph Examiner Resume
  6. Apply for polygraph examiner jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a polygraph examiner job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first polygraph examiner job

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Average polygraph examiner salary

The average polygraph examiner salary in the United States is $74,875 per year or $36 per hour. Polygraph examiner salaries range between $46,000 and $119,000 per year.

Average polygraph examiner salary
$74,875 Yearly
$36.00 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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