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Ballistics Examiner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anne Arundel County

Firearms Examiner

Annapolis, MD

$69K - $134K/yr

... ballistic evidence data base. An employee in this classification performs work under general ... Ability to conduct forensic examinations of firearms and to follow detailed instructions. Ability ...

Anne Arundel County, MD

Firearms Examiner

MD · On-site

$69K - $134K/yr

Enter and analyze computer data to include the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network ... Ability to conduct forensic examinations of firearms and to follow detailed instructions. Ability ...

kgs

Laboratory Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

The Laboratory Technician will perform ballistic evidence examination and analysis while supporting NIBIN operations through various career progression levels. As an Alaska Native Corporation ...

kgs

Laboratory Technician

Washington, DC

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

The Laboratory Technician will perform ballistic evidence examination and analysis while supporting NIBIN operations through various career progression levels. As an Alaska Native Corporation ...

Koniag, Inc.

Laboratory Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

The Laboratory Technician will perform ballistic evidence examination and analysis while supporting NIBIN operations through various career progression levels. As an Alaska Native Corporation ...

County Of Maui

Criminalist I (SR-20)

Wailuku, HI

$4.9K/mo

Assists with the conduct of ballistics including the preparation of ammunition for selected test ... Conducts the more routine microscopic examinations and comparisons of organisms and samples; Visits ...

L3HHCM20

Senior Specialist, Project Engineering

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$95K - $124K/yr

Additionally, you will coordinate ballistic, thermal, and structural analyses, as well as perform post-test examination, analyses, and reporting while supporting the program technical lead. Essential ...

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All JobsBallistics Examiner Jobs

Ballistics Examiner information

See salary details

$33.5K

$61.4K

$99K

How much do ballistics examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for ballistics examiner in the United States is $61,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Ballistics Examiner, and how do they collaborate with law enforcement teams?

A typical day for a Ballistics Examiner involves analyzing firearms, bullets, and cartridge cases to determine their origins and whether they are connected to specific crimes. Examiners use comparison microscopes and other forensic tools to match ballistic evidence, document findings, and prepare detailed reports. Collaboration is a key part of the role; Ballistics Examiners frequently work with detectives, attorneys, and other forensic specialists, and may also be called to testify as expert witnesses in court. The work environment is usually a forensic laboratory, and attention to detail and strong communication skills are essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ballistics Examiner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ballistics Examiner, you need a strong background in forensic science, firearms identification, and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with comparison microscopes, forensic imaging systems, and certification from organizations such as the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) are typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate evidence analysis, effective courtroom testimony, and support the integrity of criminal investigations.

What is a Ballistics Examiner?

A Ballistics Examiner is a forensic science professional who specializes in examining firearms, ammunition, and the effects of projectiles. They analyze evidence from crime scenes, such as bullets and cartridge cases, to determine if a particular weapon was used. Ballistics Examiners use specialized equipment and methods to match bullets or casings to specific firearms, often providing crucial information in criminal investigations. Their work may also involve reconstructing shooting incidents and providing expert testimony in court.

What is the difference between Ballistics Examiner vs Firearms Examiner?

AspectBallistics ExaminerFirearms Examiner
CredentialsForensic science degree, certification (e.g., ASCLD-LAB)Forensic science degree, certification (e.g., ASCLD-LAB)
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, forensic laboratoriesCrime labs, forensic laboratories
Industry UsageLaw enforcement, forensic agenciesLaw enforcement, forensic agencies
Job FocusAnalyzing firearm-related evidence, bullet and cartridge comparisonExamining firearms, toolmark analysis, firearm identification

Both roles involve analyzing firearm evidence in forensic labs, requiring similar credentials and working environments. The main difference is that a Ballistics Examiner primarily focuses on analyzing bullets and cartridge cases, while a Firearms Examiner may also examine firearms themselves and perform toolmark analysis. These roles often overlap, but the titles reflect slightly different specializations within firearm forensics.

More about Ballistics Examiner jobs
What states have the most Ballistics Examiner jobs? States with the most job openings for Ballistics Examiner jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ballistics Examiner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ballistics Examiner jobs are:
Ballistics Examiner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ballistics Examiner job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,362 per year, or $29.5 per hour.
Partnership Opportunity: Ballistics Expert (TX Network)

Partnership Opportunity: Ballistics Expert (TX Network)

Dane Street, LLC

Houston, TX

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Dane Street is a leading national provider of Independent Medical Examinations (IME) and Peer Review services. We pride ourselves on delivering evidence-based, objective, and timely medical and specialized technical reviews to the Workers' Compensation, Auto, and Disability markets.
We are currently expanding our specialty panel to include Ballistics Experts to provide expert analysis and testimony on complex firearms, ammunition, and shooting incident litigation cases.
The Role


As an Expert Witness for Dane Street, you will apply your deep technical knowledge of ballistics, firearms operation, ammunition performance, and forensic analysis to evaluate the merits of legal claims. You will act as a neutral third-party expert, providing objective analysis through written reports and, when necessary, oral testimony.
Key Responsibilities:

  • Comprehensive Evidence Review: Analyze firearm evidence, ballistic reports, projectile trajectories, ammunition data, autopsy findings, laboratory results, and law enforcement documentation.
  • Incident Reconstruction: Review scene photographs, surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to assess shooting dynamics, firearm discharge patterns, and compliance with accepted forensic standards.
  • Expert Reporting: Author clear, well-supported, and objective expert reports detailing findings, methodologies, and professional opinions.
  • Litigation Support: Provide credible deposition and/or trial testimony to explain complex ballistic and forensic findings to attorneys, judges, or juries.


Qualifications

  • Industry Expertise: Extensive background in forensic ballistics, firearms examination, crime laboratory analysis, law enforcement firearms investigation, or related forensic disciplines.
  • Testimony Experience: Required. Candidates must have prior experience providing sworn testimony in depositions or trial settings as a disclosed expert.
  • Technical Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of firearm mechanics, ammunition characteristics, trajectory analysis, gunshot residue evaluation, and accepted forensic examination methodologies.
  • Analytical Skills: Strong ability to interpret complex forensic evidence and communicate technical findings clearly to non-technical audiences.
  • Communication: Exceptional writing skills and the ability to meet strict legal and reporting deadlines.

Benefits

  • Ultimate Flexibility: This is a case-by-case 1099 position. You have full autonomy to accept or decline assignments based on your current schedule and expertise.
  • Competitive Compensation: We offer attractive hourly or flat-rate fees for review time, report preparation, and testimony.
  • Full Administrative Support: Dane Street handles all intake, records organization, and delivery. We provide all case materials through our secure platform so you can focus on the analysis.
  • Efficient Workflow: Standard report turnaround time is typically 5 business days from receipt of all materials.

Join the Dane Street Panel

If you are a seasoned ballistics professional with the litigation experience necessary to provide high-level forensic analysis, we invite you to apply. Help us bring clarity, scientific expertise, and objective firearm analysis to the forefront of complex case reviews.

Apply