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How much do crime scene photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for crime scene photographer in the United States is $20.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a crime scene photographer do?

As a crime scene photographer, you apply forensic science principles to an investigation and collect images that may be useful to said investigation. You document and record physical evidence, ensure each photo has an item to provide scale, and coordinate with analysis labs to answer any questions. Crime scene photographers may be asked to document a site at any time of day or night and are often exposed to gruesome and tragic sites, so mental fortitude is essential to success in this field. Some crime scene photographers focus exclusively on this role while others serve in another position—often a law enforcement role—and switch to forensic photography as needed.

What does a crime scene photographer do?

A crime scene photographer is responsible for capturing detailed and accurate images of crime scenes, evidence, and sometimes victims, to support criminal investigations. Their photographs help law enforcement and legal professionals document and analyze crime scenes, preserve evidence, and present findings in court. Crime scene photographers must follow strict protocols to maintain the integrity of their images and often work closely with forensic teams to ensure all relevant details are documented.

What are some common challenges faced by crime scene photographers on the job?

Crime scene photographers often work in high-pressure environments where attention to detail is critical. Challenges can include working long or irregular hours, responding to crime scenes at short notice, and documenting scenes in difficult weather or lighting conditions. Additionally, maintaining objectivity and emotional resilience is important, as scenes may be distressing. Collaboration with law enforcement officers and forensic teams is frequent, requiring strong communication skills to ensure all necessary evidence is captured accurately.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a crime scene photographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Crime Scene Photographer, you need a solid understanding of forensic photography principles, attention to detail, and knowledge of law enforcement procedures, often supported by formal training or certification in forensic photography. Familiarity with digital cameras, photo editing software, and evidence management systems is crucial. Strong observational skills, discretion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure set top professionals apart in this field. These competencies ensure that photographic evidence is accurately captured, preserved, and admissible in court, supporting successful investigations and legal proceedings.

What is the difference between Crime Scene Photographer vs Forensic Photographer?

AspectCrime Scene PhotographerForensic Photographer
CredentialsPhotography skills, law enforcement trainingPhotography skills, forensic science knowledge
Work EnvironmentCrime scenes, law enforcement agenciesCrime labs, law enforcement agencies
Industry UsageLaw enforcement, criminal investigationsLegal cases, forensic analysis

Crime Scene Photographers focus on capturing images at crime scenes for investigative purposes, often working directly with law enforcement. Forensic Photographers have similar skills but may also have additional forensic science training, working in labs or detailed forensic documentation. Both roles are essential in criminal investigations, but their work environments and specific focus areas differ slightly.

How much money do crime scene photographers make?

Crime scene photographers typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries.
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Crime Scene Photographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crime Scene Photographer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Police Crime Scene Unit Technician

City of Odessa

Odessa, TX • On-site

$21.75 - $30.96/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

City Of Odessa rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

801st of 851 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Department: Police Reports to: Crime Scene Supervisor
Summary: Under close supervision, performs a wide variety of tasks associated with the collection, processing, tracking, handling, and safekeeping of crime scene evidence for the Odessa Police Department (OPD); performs duties in compliance with state laws and OPD policies.
Essential Functions: Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Responds to crime scenes as directed, and assists OPD officers with investigations by processing the crime scene for evidence; collects and preserves crime scene and accident scene evidence to aid in the prosecution of criminals and crimes; performs work in compliance with state laws, City policies, and OPD quality standards; duties may vary according to job assignment and training.
  • Collects, preserves, logs, and secures evidence as directed by officers and investigators; documents all handling of evidence and property; maintains activity logs and generates reports as needed.
  • Assists with the identification of evidence at crime scenes, and mapping of the crime scene.
  • Assists with documenting crime scenes by taking photos and video as directed by OPD Officers and other law enforcement agencies; responds to requests for photographs and videos.
  • Receives property and evidence from law enforcement officers; documents receipt of items; maintains the chain of custody from intake to disposition.
  • Collects fingerprint evidence and enters information into Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
  • Creates case notes and narrative summaries; maintains logs of services, cases, and information requests; requests additional information from OPD sources in order to supplement case notes.
  • Assists and coordinates with other emergency services personnel, outside organizations and businesses, and Federal, state and local law enforcement organizations.
  • Maintains the absolute confidentiality of all records and information.
  • Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
  • Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: High School Diploma or GED required; one year of computer experience desired. Successful completion of a background investigation and polygraph is required.
Knowledge of:
  • Rules for collecting, preserving, processing, and securing physical evidence.
  • Federal and state laws governing the entry, storage, and transfer of evidence and property.
  • State and Federal laws, regulations, and statutes governing management of property and evidence.
  • Principles and practices of photographing and documenting crime scenes.
  • Police radio, dispatch, and communication protocols and procedures.
  • Principles of record keeping and confidential records management.
  • Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas.

Skill in:
  • Packaging and organizing numerous items of evidence in an orderly fashion for storage and retrieval.
  • Carefully collecting, processing, and preserving crime scene evidence.
  • Closely following verbal and written instructions.
  • Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
  • Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

License and certification requirements: A valid Texas State Driver's License is required. Certification for access to Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) from Texas Department of Public Safety may be required; additional technical training and certifications may also be required for some incumbents.
Physical demands and working environments: The physical and work environment demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to operate equipment, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employee work on slippery and uneven surfaces and are exposed to loud noise, odors, and dirt. This job requires exposure to indoor, outdoor weather conditions and exposed to any hazardous chemicals or communicable diseases while attending to crime scenes. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must be on-call 24 hours, seven days a week including holidays.
Work is performed in a standard office environment and at City facilities; requires moderate physical efforts, may be exposed to safety hazards and dangerous tools and equipment; safety precautions must be followed, including use of safety equipment.

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