Also called: Fingerprint Examiner
Finds, develops, and compares fingerprints to identify people.
Latent print examiners use powders, chemicals, and special lights to reveal invisible prints, then compare ridge details with suspects or databases. Comparing prints takes patience and a sharp eye.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in forensic science, chemistry, or biology, plus on-the-job training and certification. IAI certification.
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Forensic Science, Biology, Criminal Justice.
Growing much faster than average (about 13% over 10 years). BLS forensic science technicians 2024-34 (13%, much faster than average).
Medium risk for 10 years. Database search and AI comparison tools improve; standards still require a human examiner's verified call.
Classes: Biology, Chemistry, Art / drawing, AP Statistics.
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.