Polygraph Examiners
Overview
Introduction
Polygraph examiners use polygraph equipment and techniques to determine whether individuals have answered questions truthfully or dishonestly. Polygraphs, often called "lie detectors," are instruments that measure and record certain nonvoluntary body responses that are affected by the individuals emotional state. To judge whether the subject has answered all the questions truthfully, the examiner compares the reactions recorded for questions that are not likely to cause stress with the reactions recorded for other questions. More th...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Polygraph examiners earned average annual salaries of $67,665 in March 2025, according to ZipRecruiter.com. Earnings ranged from $33,000 to $116,500 or more. Half earned between $37,500 and $85,500.
The Economic Research Institute reports lower salaries for polygraph examiners. In 2025, it reported that polygraph examiners earned salaries that ranged from $37,317 to $60,153, with average...
Work Environment
Most polygraph examiners work 40-hour weeks, although some work longer and irregular hours, including nights and weekends. Examiners usually work indoors, but may travel to their appointments, often carrying their polygraph equipment, which can weigh 25 pounds or more.
Outlook
There is a need for law enforcement examiners, especially in the federal government. The growing population and increasing crime rate (in some crime categories) may create more openings for polygraph examiners in the future. Courts in many states allow the use of polygraph test results as evidence, and public pressure for reducing court backlogs may increase the use of polygraph tests.