Also called: NIBIN Specialist, Crime Gun Intelligence Technician
Photographs spent bullet casings from shootings into a national database that links guns used in different crimes, often within a day.
Technicians take cartridge cases picked up at shooting scenes or test-fired from seized guns, mount them under special cameras, and enter the 3D images into ATF's NIBIN network. The system suggests possible matches, and techs review them and send 'leads' to detectives within 24 to 48 hours. One gun can be tied to a dozen shootings.
Police or crime lab civilian pay. Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 1 year after high school. Associate or bachelor's degree helpful; ATF NIBIN training on the job.
Ways in: On-the-job training, 2-year college, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Biology.
Growing much faster than average (about 13% over 10 years). BLS forensic science technicians, 2024-34.
Medium risk for 10 years. Imaging software suggests matches; careful review and fast leads to detectives stay human.
Classes: Chemistry, Photography, Biology.
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.