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Forensic Artist Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Artist information

See Georgia salary details

$5

$24

$55

How much do forensic artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic artist in Georgia is $24.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.97 and $33.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic artist?

A forensic artist creates facial reconstructions, composite sketches, and age progressions to help law enforcement identify suspects, victims, or missing persons. They use witness descriptions, photographs, and forensic data to produce accurate visual representations. Their work can be done by hand or using digital tools, and they often collaborate with investigators and forensic experts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic artist?

To thrive as a Forensic Artist, you need excellent drawing skills, an understanding of human anatomy, and familiarity with law enforcement or criminal justice processes, often backed by formal art or forensic science training. Competence using sketching materials, digital imaging software such as Adobe Photoshop, and forensic reconstruction techniques is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate sensitively with witnesses or victims are crucial soft skills. These abilities enable a Forensic Artist to create accurate, useful representations for investigations while working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

What does a typical workday look like for a forensic artist?

A typical workday for a Forensic Artist often involves collaborating with law enforcement officers, interviewing witnesses or victims to create composite sketches, and producing age-progressed images or facial reconstructions. You may split your time between working in an office or police department environment and conducting site visits depending on case needs. Many forensic artists also provide courtroom testimony, attend training sessions, or work on administrative tasks related to evidence documentation. This role requires flexibility and a strong commitment to detail, as project timelines and priorities can shift quickly based on investigative developments.

Are forensic artists in demand?

Forensic artists are in steady demand due to their specialized skills in creating facial reconstructions and composites for law enforcement. Employment opportunities often depend on the size of the agency and the need for forensic art services, with positions available in criminal justice and forensic laboratories. Certification and experience with digital imaging tools can enhance job prospects.

How much do forensic artists make?

Forensic artists typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and work in law enforcement or private consulting environments.

How to get a job as a forensic artist?

To become a forensic artist, individuals typically need a background in art, forensic science, or criminal justice, along with strong drawing skills and knowledge of anatomy. Gaining experience through relevant education, certifications, or internships in law enforcement or forensic fields can improve job prospects. Proficiency with digital imaging tools and understanding of criminal investigation processes are also valuable for this role.

What does a forensic artist do?

A forensic artist creates visual representations of suspects, victims, or unidentified persons based on witness descriptions, photographs, or skull reconstructions. They often use drawing skills, computer software, and knowledge of anatomy to assist law enforcement in investigations and identification processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Artist jobs in Georgia?

The most popular types of Forensic Artist jobs in Georgia are:

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Forensic Artist jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Forensic Artist job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Artist job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,879 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Associate Medical Examiner (Forensic Pathologist)

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Decatur, GA • On-site

$260K - $280K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description This is a sensitive government position. Please review the GBI Employment Disqualifiers before applying for this position. Employment for the selected candidate(s) is contingent upon the successful completion of a GBI background investigation including criminal, credit and driver's history checks, polygraph examination, fingerprinting and drug screening.

The GBI follows the Federal statute regarding illegal drug use and is a drug-free workplace. Although some states have legalized recreational drug use, applicants who currently use illegal drugs or controlled substances will be subject to disqualification from employment with the GBI. The State Medical Examiner's Office, within the Division of Forensic Sciences, Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is seeking qualified applicants to fill the Associate Medical Examiner (Forensic Pathologist) position at GBI Headquarters in Decatur, Georgia.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been internationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The successful applicant will join a system that encompasses two regional medical examiner offices located in Pooler (Savannah) and Dry Branch (Macon), Georgia, in addition to the headquarters facility, located in Decatur, Georgia [Atlanta]. Collectively, these three offices provide complete forensic pathology services to 154 of the 159 counties in Georgia.

The Decatur [headquarters] facility handles approximately 2,700 postmortem examinations per year, including about 400 to 475 homicides. The Decatur [headquarters] medical examiner's staff currently consists of one (1) chief medical examiner, one (1) deputy chief medical examiner, nine (9) associate medical examiners, eighteen (18) death investigation specialists, one (1) graphic & visual art specialist, and five (5) office support staff. The average caseload per pathologist is between 250-300 cases per year.

The State Medical Examiner's Office has a total of 19 medical examiners throughout the state, when fully staffed, including two (2) board-certified pediatric pathologist staffed at headquarters. This office also operates the Child Abuse Investigative Support Center, which provides consultative services to law enforcement, district attorneys, the Division of Family and Children's Services, and other agencies, where inflicted injury is suspected in living children. Decatur, Georgia is located within the Atlanta metropolitan area, a premier destination for business professionals and their families.

The City of Decatur is a 4.4-square-mile, urban city just east of the City of Atlanta and is home to about 23,000 people. The City has five walkable commercial districts with 1.8M square feet of office in the City's four square miles designed just for businesses. Each district has its own character and includes a mix of office, retail, residential, and institutional uses

The metro Atlanta region is home to more than 5.3 million people and nearly 150,000 businesses, a world-class airport, multiple parks and green space, competitive schools and numerous amenities for entertainment, sports and restaurants that all offer a top-tier quality of life. From its diverse economy, global access, abundant talent and low costs of business and lifestyle, metro Atlanta is a great place to call "home." Residents have easy access to arts, culture, sports and nightlife, and can experience all four seasons, with mild winters that rarely require a snow shovel. Learn more at: http://www.metroatlantachamber.com

Just east of the Atlanta BeltLine and six miles from downtown, the city of Decatur is 4.7 square miles packed with more than 200 great reasons to visit. And our downtown square ranks number #2 on 2021 USA TODAY's 10 Best Readers' Choice travel awards for Best Public Square. It's the perfect starting point for exploring DeKalb County and all of metro Atlanta

With three MARTA train stations inside its city limits, Decatur is well connected to downtown Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and the world. Make Decatur your home away from home and jumping off point for metro attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Stone Mountain Park, Mercedes Benz Stadium and more. Stay connected while you're here with free wi-fi downtown, in Oakhurst, and at our biggest city parks.

  We invite you to discover Decatur, online and in person. You'll find a traditional small-town atmosphere--and the sophistication and excitement of a college town--along with all the benefits of living in a major metropolitan area. Take a stroll through Decatur and see how friendly neighbors, tree-lined streets, great schools, parks and playing fields, libraries, colleges, and businesses all make our town a wonderful place to spend some time.

We're just minutes east of downtown Atlanta, minutes west of Stone Mountain, and the MARTA rail station is right under our downtown square, so getting here is a breeze. Named after Stephen Decatur, a 19th century U.S. Naval hero, Decatur retains a strong connection to its history, while preparing for the future with managed growth and responsible development

Decatur maintains its own identity while forging bonds with other communities locally, nationally and internationally. Other U.S. cities and counties named Decatur participate in some of our festivities

We are a member of Sister Cities International. Learn more about Decatur's Points of Interest as well as community activities, business and city government. Then come and see for yourself why Decatur folks are proud of their community.

The GBI Medical Examiner's Office is accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners. To learn more about the GBI Medical Examiner's Office, visit http://gbi.georgia.gov/medical-examiners-office. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been internationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)

Job Duties DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Associate Medical Examiner (Forensic Pathologist) performs medicolegal autopsies under the provisions of the Georgia Death Investigation Act; generates examination reports for dissemination in a timely and efficient manner; provides expert courtroom and deposition testimony in judicial proceedings; and consults with law enforcement agencies and attorneys who work within the criminal system. The Associate Medical Examiner may perform other duties as directed by the Chief Medical Examiner. Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Medical Doctor licensed to practice medicine in the state of Georgia or the ability to obtain Georgia licensure as required by state law AND Successful completion of an Anatomic Pathology residency and Forensic Pathology fellowship from an accredited institution AND Board certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology OR Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology.

AND Board certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Pathology in Forensic Pathology. CONDITION(S) OF EMPLOYMENT Selected candidates who have not yet achieved board certification in Forensic Pathology must sit for and successfully pass the board certification examination in Forensic Pathology at the earliest available administration upon becoming eligible. Failure to sit for and/or successfully pass the Forensic Pathology Board exam will result in an evaluation of continued employment.

Selected candidate must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business which may require working weekends and/or holidays. Selected candidate must also be available to receive and respond to telephone inquiries from home, while acting in an on-call status. Supplemental Information SALARY AND BENEFITS The salary range for the position is $260,000-$280,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

Advancement within the salary structure is commensurate with cumulative experience and achievement of full board certification for those who are hired but not yet fully board certified. The starting salary is commensurate with board certification status and work experience: From date of completion of Forensic Pathology Fellowship through the 5th full year of postgraduate employment, w/o board certification, the salary will be: $260,000.00 per year. From date of completion of Forensic Pathology Fellowship through the 5th full year of postgraduate employment, with AP & FP board certification, the salary will be: $270,000.00 per year

From the beginning of the 6th postgraduate year forward, w/AP & FP board certification, the salary will be: $280,000.00 per year. Advancement within the salary structure is commensurate with cumulative experience, and achievement of full Board Certification status for those who are hired but are not yet fully Board Certified. NEW - GEORGIA MEDICAL EXAMINER LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM The Georgia Medical Examiner Loan Repayment Program is now available to qualified licensed physicians working as full-time Medical Examiners with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Recipients must agree to work full-time, on or after January 1, 2023, for GBI as a Medical Examiner for an opportunity to have a portion of their student loan debt to be paid through this loan repayment program. Loan repayment begins after twelve consecutive months of qualified employment. Qualified Medical Examiners may receive up to five years of student loan repayment for five years of employment with the GBI's Division of Forensic Science Medical Examiner's Office.

Graduated loan repayment award amounts are based on eligible participating year in the repayment program: First year maximum amount is $12,000 Second year maximum amount is $18,000 Third year maximum amount is $24,000 Fourth year maximum amount is $30,000 Fifth year maximum amount is $36,000 The maximum limit is $120,000 with five years of qualifying employment. GBI offers a generous benefits package. Employees earn vacation time and sick leave and are granted 13 paid holidays each year.

There are a variety of benefit options to choose from, including vision, dental, health and life insurance. We also offer an employee retirement plan and deferred compensation options. Competitive benefits package: Medical, dental, and vision coverage Annual vacation, sick, and education leave 13 paid holidays Employee retirement plan Deferred compensation options Conference allowance Reimbursement of all GA licensure and board certification fees Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer Georgia Medical Examiner Loan Repayment Program * The GBI reserves the right to close this job announcement once a qualified applicant pool has been identified.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or by e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview. Applicants who are not selected for an interview will not receive notification.

The GBI follows the Federal statute regarding illegal drug use and is a drug-free workplace. Although some states have legalized recreational drug use, applicants who currently use illegal drugs or controlled substances will be subject to disqualification from employment with the GBI Applicants must present a professional image during all phases of the GBI hiring process, to include when interviewing, either in-person or virtually. The attire and appearance of applicants interviewing must be what is generally accepted as both professional and appropriate for a business work environment.

Foreign Education: Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is equivalent to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. This evaluation must be a course-by-course evaluation that includes each completed course/subject and the U.S

credit equivalent. Applicants must submit a copy of the credential evaluation as part of the application process. For a listing of services that can perform this evaluation, see the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services website at http://www.naces.org/members.htm

THE GBI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER