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Entry Level Forensic Ballistics Expert Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stanislaus County

Forensic Pathologist

Modesto, CA

$168.98 - $253.46/hr

Provide expert witness testimony and testify in Local, State, and Federal Court proceedings; At the ... toxicology, ballistic/firearms examination, trace evidence, forensic serology, forensic ...

City of Chicago

FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$74K/yr

... ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). The class title performs professional ... Testifies as an expert witness on evidence and crime laboratory techniques at the local, state and ...

City of Chicago

FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$74K/yr

... ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). The class title performs professional ... an expert witness on evidence and crime laboratory techniques at the local, state and federal ...

City of Chicago

SENIOR FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$81K/yr

... ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). The class performs senior-level functions ... an expert witness on evidence and crime laboratory techniques at the local, state and federal ...

New

City of Chicago

SENIOR FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$81K/yr

... ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). The class performs senior-level functions ... Testifies as an expert witness on evidence and crime laboratory techniques at the local, state and ...

New

City of Chicago

LEAD FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K/yr

... and ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). This class title supervises and ... Testifies as an expert witness in court on evidence and crime laboratory techniques at the local ...

City of Chicago

LEAD FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K/yr

... and ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). This class title supervises and ... an expert witness in court on evidence and crime laboratory techniques at the local, state and ...

Bexar County, TX

Forensic Scientist III - C

Madison, SD · On-site

$62K - $75K/yr

Testifies in court as an expert witness * Provides scientific results to law enforcement agencies ... beyond entry level coursework, and two (2) years of applicable forensic laboratory experience

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Entry Level Forensic Ballistics Expert information

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$41K

$87.9K

$137K

How much do entry level forensic ballistics expert jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level forensic ballistics expert in the United States is $87,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Entry Level Forensic Ballistics Expert do?

An Entry Level Forensic Ballistics Expert assists in analyzing firearms, ammunition, and related evidence to help solve crimes. They examine bullets, cartridge cases, and gunshot residues to determine details such as the type of weapon used or whether a specific gun fired a particular bullet. These experts often work in crime labs, documenting findings, preparing reports, and sometimes providing testimony in court. Entry-level professionals typically work under the supervision of more experienced analysts while gaining hands-on experience and training.

What is the difference between Entry Level Forensic Ballistics Expert vs Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator?

AspectEntry Level Forensic Ballistics ExpertEntry Level Crime Scene Investigator
CredentialsForensic science degree, firearms knowledge, basic certificationCriminal justice or forensic science degree, scene processing training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, firearms analysis labs, crime labsCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor locations, evidence collection
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs, government agenciesLaw enforcement agencies, police departments, crime scene units

Entry Level Forensic Ballistics Experts focus on analyzing firearms, bullets, and ballistic evidence in labs, while Entry Level Crime Scene Investigators gather evidence at crime scenes. Both roles require forensic knowledge and work within law enforcement, but their daily tasks and environments differ significantly.

What is the easiest forensic job to get?

Entry level forensic jobs, such as forensic technician or evidence technician, are generally easier to obtain than specialized roles like forensic ballistics experts. These positions often require basic knowledge of crime scene procedures and may not need advanced degrees or extensive experience, making them accessible starting points in forensic careers.

How much do forensic ballistics experts make?

Forensic ballistics experts typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced professionals earning higher wages. Salaries can vary based on location, education, certifications, and the complexity of cases handled.

Is it easy to get hired as a CSI?

Getting hired as a forensic ballistics expert, often part of a crime scene investigation team, typically requires relevant education, such as a degree in forensic science or a related field, and specialized training in firearm analysis. Competition can be high, and employers often seek candidates with experience, certifications, and proficiency with laboratory tools and techniques. Entry-level positions may be available, but advancing usually involves gaining practical experience and additional qualifications.

What are the typical responsibilities of an entry level forensic ballistics expert during case investigations?

As an entry level forensic ballistics expert, your responsibilities often include collecting and preserving firearm-related evidence from crime scenes, conducting laboratory examinations of bullets and cartridge cases, and using comparison microscopes to match projectiles to specific firearms. You'll also document findings in detailed reports and may assist senior experts in preparing evidence for court presentations. Collaboration with law enforcement officers and other forensic specialists is common, and attention to detail and adherence to strict chain-of-custody procedures are essential in this role.

Can I be a CSI without being a cop?

A forensic ballistics expert, often part of a crime scene investigation team, does not need to be a police officer to work in the field. These roles typically require specialized training, such as certifications in firearms analysis and crime scene processing, and may involve working alongside law enforcement but not necessarily holding a law enforcement position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Forensic Ballistics Expert, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Forensic Ballistics Expert, you need a background in forensic science or criminal justice, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, ballistics databases like NIBIN, and basic firearms identification techniques is typically required. Critical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to work meticulously under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate analysis, effective legal reporting, and contribute to solving firearm-related crimes.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Ballistics Expert jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Ballistics Expert jobs are:
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Entry Level Forensic Ballistics Expert jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Forensic Ballistics Expert job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 7% As Needed, 43% Full Time, 10% Temporary, and 30% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $87,877 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Partnership Opportunity: Ballistics Expert (TX Network)

Dane Street, LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 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.