Also called: Crime Scene Photographer, Evidence Photographer
Photographs crime scenes, evidence, and injuries for police investigations and court cases.
They document a scene systematically with wide, medium, and close-up shots, using scales and special lighting to reveal fingerprints or blood. Photos must hold up in court. The job can be emotionally tough.
Based on BLS forensic science technicians, May 2024 estimates.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Often part of forensic science technician roles; bachelor's in forensic science plus photography training.
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Forensic Science, Photography, Criminal Justice.
Growing much faster than average (about 13% over 10 years). Forensic science technicians are projected to grow much faster than average.
Low risk for 10 years. Documenting physical evidence at real scenes, often 3D scanning too, stays human and court-accountable.
Classes: Biology or forensic science, Photography, Chemistry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4092.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.