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Ballistics Forensic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Chicago

FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$74K/yr

... and ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). The class title performs professional scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and significance of physical evidence in crime ...

Stanislaus County

Forensic Pathologist

Modesto, CA · On-site

$175.74 - $263.60/hr

Procedures, techniques, and equipment utilized in forensic medicine, including medico-legal autopsy, forensic toxicology, ballistic/firearms examination, trace evidence, forensic serology, forensic ...

City of Chicago

FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$74K/yr

... and ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). The class title performs professional scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and significance of physical evidence in crime ...

City of Chicago

SENIOR FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$81K/yr

... ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). The class performs senior-level functions, working independently, on a wide range of complex scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and ...

City of Chicago

SENIOR FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$81K/yr

... ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). The class performs senior-level functions, working independently, on a wide range of complex scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and ...

City of Chicago

LEAD FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K/yr

... ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). This class title supervises and participates in scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and significance of physical evidence in crime ...

City of Chicago

LEAD FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K/yr

... ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). This class title supervises and participates in scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and significance of physical evidence in crime ...

Zimmerman Associates, Inc.

Experience working with ballistic imaging systems, firearm identification, or forensic laboratory procedures preferred. * Knowledge of chain-of-custody protocols and evidentiary handling standards.

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Ballistics Forensic information

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$43.5K

$128.4K

$325K

How much do ballistics forensic jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for ballistics forensic in the United States is $128,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do forensic ballistics forensic scientists make?

Forensic ballistics scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and years of service in forensic laboratories or law enforcement agencies.

What is a ballistics forensic?

A Ballistics Forensic job involves analyzing firearms, ammunition, and gunshot evidence to aid criminal investigations. Experts in this field examine bullet trajectories, firearm mechanics, and gunpowder residue to determine how a shooting occurred. They compare bullets and casings to specific weapons using specialized techniques like ballistic imaging. Their findings help law enforcement link firearms to crimes, identify suspects, and provide expert testimony in court.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a ballistics forensic?

A Ballistics Forensic specialist requires a solid background in forensic science, physics, and firearms analysis, often supported by a degree in forensic science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, comparison microscopes, ballistic databases, and certifications such as those from the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) is essential. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills are invaluable for delivering accurate findings and credible court testimony. Mastery of these competencies ensures precise analyses and supports the integrity of criminal investigations.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a ballistics forensic?

Ballistics Forensic specialists spend their days examining firearms, bullets, cartridge cases, and gunshot residue to help determine how a shooting occurred. They document and analyze evidence using specialized tools, prepare detailed reports, and often work alongside law enforcement officers and attorneys. Regular responsibilities may also include test-firing weapons, maintaining laboratory records, and providing expert testimony in court. Collaboration and clear communication with criminal investigators are frequent and critical parts of the job, making teamwork an integral aspect of this role.

How to get into forensic ballistics?

To become a forensic ballistics expert, typically a bachelor's degree in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in crime labs, and developing skills in firearm identification, ballistics analysis, and laboratory techniques, are essential steps. Certification from professional organizations can also enhance job prospects.
More about Ballistics Forensic jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Ballistics Forensic jobs? The most popular types of Ballistics Forensic jobs are:
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Ballistics Forensic jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ballistics Forensic job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $128,375 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

Partnership Opportunity: Ballistics Expert (TX Network)

Dane Street, LLC

Houston, TX

Other

Re-posted 28 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