Also called: Ten-Print Examiner, Biometric Identification Technician
Takes, classifies, and searches fingerprints in the computerized Automated Fingerprint Identification System to identify people.
Fingerprint techs roll prints at booking, scan them into AFIS, review the computer's candidate matches, and confirm identities for arrests and background checks. Many move up to latent print examiner.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 1 year after high school. High school diploma or associate degree plus fingerprint classification training.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification, 2-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Forensic Science, Criminal Justice.
Growing much faster than average (about 13% over 10 years). BLS forensic science technicians, 2025-35.
High risk for 10 years. Live-scan and AI matching already do most fingerprint work; far fewer techs are needed to confirm hits.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply for fingerprint technician jobs at police departments or fingerprinting sites (IdentoGO); training is on the job First: Background check (fingerprint-based); classification training continues on the job
Classes: Biology, Keyboarding / Office CTE.
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.