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Forensic Artist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Artist information

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$7

$31

$69

How much do forensic artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic artist in Virginia is $31.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.96 and $42.08 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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Forensic Artist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Forensic Artist job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Artist job openings in Virginia 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 $64,846 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Psychology

Hampton University Faculty

Hampton, VA • On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description


Rich in the history, steeped in tradition, Hampton University is a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education, providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts and graduate degree programs. In addition to being one of the top historically black universities in the world, Hampton University is a tightly-knit community of learners and educators, representing 49 stats and 35 territories and nations. The faculty within the Department of Psychology are committed to providing a strong academic
environment to support the development of future leaders in the various fields of psychology. The Department of Psychology at Hampton University, is within the School of Liberal Arts and Education (SLAE) and currently houses the BA in Psychology, BA in Psychology-Pre-Medical Track, and the BA in Psychology- Marriage & Family Studies Track.
Job Duties:
  • The successful candidate must be committed to teaching undergraduate courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Neuroscience, Statistics, Methods, and in courses within their area of specialization/interest.
  • The successful candidate will also play a direct role (i.e. Curriculum development, thesis advisement, and teaching) in a forthcoming graduate program.
  • Teach 4 courses per semester (unless given a course release for graduate teaching, mentoring and or other administrative duties)
  • Advise psychology majors and hold weekly Office Hours.
  • Contribute to the scholarly advancement of teh department through a productive research agenda that includes grantstmanship and consistent publishing.
  • Various service activities (eg. Committee work on the department, school and university levels).
  • Comply with HU Faculty Handbook processes and policies.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Qualified candidates must have an earned doctorate in Psychology in the following specialties from an accredited university/program: Developmental, School Psychology, Social Psychology, Neuropsychology, and or/ Forensic Psychology.
  • Applicants should demonstrate an expertise and proficiency in issues related to the psychological and cultural impacts of stress on minoritized populations; particularly related to Black populations, academic performance, forensic issues, neurological issues; and/or psycho-emotional cultural implications of racism-oppression on the psychological-emotional outcomes of Black Populations.
  • Experience in and evidence of successful teaching in a university setting (both undergraduate and graduate levels) is preferred.
  • Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in research, grantsmanship, and student mentorship (i.e. advisor of psychology clubs and thesis/dissertation advisement).
  • Rank and compensation are commensurate with credentials and experience.
  • Effective instructional delivery; ability to actively engage students in the learning process.
  • Competence in the use of instructional technology.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in psychological science and related fields.
  • Demonstrated active research.
  • Ability to conduct respectful relationships with students both in and outside of the classroom.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with department faculty, students and those in other disciplines to support the mission of the University; and the
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.

Salary is based on qualifications $60,000-$90,000
To Apply:
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Candidates must submit a cover letter specifically addressing suitability for position, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy and research interests, recent teaching evaluations, three professional letters of reference along with contact information, and an official transcript from the institution awarding the highest degree. FullApplications must be emailed to the following:
Dr. Tamara M.B. Williams (Psychology Department Chair) & Ms. Ta'Nisa Robertson (Department
Administrative Assistant)
Hampton University
Hampton, VA 23668
Email: tamaram.williams@hamptonu.edu; tanisa.robertson@hamptonu.edu
Phone: 757-727-5301
** No phone calls