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Forensic Fingerprint Expert Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Cleveland

Fingerprint Examiner

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$39K/yr

Description Fingerprint Examiner Examples of Duties Under supervision, performs technical forensic ... Prepares for and provides expert testimony in court regarding latent print examinations ...

City of Torrance

FORENSIC SUPERVISOR

Torrance, CA

The role also serves as a subject-matter expert to investigators and management, supporting the ... fingerprinting and photographing deceased persons. For more information about the duties of the ...

City of Torrance, CA

FORENSIC SUPERVISOR

Torrance, CA · On-site

$8.8K - $11K/mo

The role also serves as a subject-matter expert to investigators and management, supporting the ... fingerprinting and photographing deceased persons. For more information about the duties of the ...

Georgia

Digital Forensic Investigator 1

Decatur, IL · On-site

$63K/yr

... fingerprinting and drug screening. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : Under close/general supervision ... The incumbent's responsibilities will consist of providing expert testimony in court regarding ...

Kids FIRST

Bilingual Forensic Interviewer

Eugene, OR · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Provide fact and, when appropriate, expert witness testimony in criminal and civil court ... Ability to pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check and child welfare history check.

Kids FIRST

Bilingual Forensic Interviewer

Eugene, OR · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Provide fact and, when appropriate, expert witness testimony in criminal and civil court ... Ability to pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check and child welfare history check.

State of Oklahoma

Criminalist

Tahlequah, OK · On-site

$80K - $93K/yr

Fingerprints deceased persons for the medical examiner's office to aid in identifications and ... as an expert in court and/or administrative hearings concerning the results of forensic ...

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Forensic Fingerprint Expert information

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$25.5K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do forensic fingerprint expert jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic fingerprint expert in the United States is $61,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic fingerprint expert?

Forensic fingerprint experts are professionals who specialize in analyzing and comparing fingerprint evidence collected from crime scenes. They use scientific methods to identify, classify, and match fingerprints found on objects or surfaces to specific individuals. Their work is crucial in criminal investigations, as fingerprint evidence can link suspects to crimes or help exonerate the innocent. These experts often testify in court about their findings and the reliability of their analyses.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Fingerprint Expert, you need a background in forensic science or criminal justice, coupled with specialized training in fingerprint analysis and identification. Familiarity with Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS), digital imaging tools, and relevant certifications such as those from the International Association for Identification (IAI) are typically required. Keen attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills help experts accurately interpret evidence and present findings. These skills ensure the integrity and reliability of forensic evidence, which is critical for supporting criminal investigations and court proceedings.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic fingerprint experts when analyzing evidence from crime scenes?

Forensic fingerprint experts often encounter challenges such as poor-quality prints due to smudging, overlapping impressions, or prints left on uneven or textured surfaces. Additionally, environmental factors like dust, moisture, or exposure to heat can degrade prints and make analysis more difficult. Overcoming these obstacles requires attention to detail, proficiency with various enhancement techniques, and close collaboration with crime scene investigators to understand the context of the evidence. Despite these challenges, thorough documentation and the use of advanced technology help experts draw accurate conclusions.

What is the difference between Forensic Fingerprint Expert vs Forensic Crime Scene Investigator?

AspectForensic Fingerprint ExpertForensic Crime Scene Investigator
CredentialsFingerprint analysis certifications, forensic science degreesCrime scene processing certifications, forensic science degrees
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, crime scene labs, courtroomsCrime scenes, laboratories, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs

While both roles work within forensic science, a Forensic Fingerprint Expert specializes in analyzing and comparing fingerprint evidence, often working in labs and courtrooms. A Forensic Crime Scene Investigator collects, documents, and processes physical evidence at crime scenes. The two roles collaborate but focus on different aspects of forensic investigation.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Fingerprint Expert jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Forensic Fingerprint Expert jobs look for?

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Forensic Fingerprint Expert jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Fingerprint Expert job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Fingerprint Examiner

City of Cleveland

Cleveland, OH • On-site

$39K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

City Of Cleveland (Ohio) rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 848 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description Fingerprint Examiner Examples of Duties Under supervision, performs technical forensic work involving the examination, comparison, evaluation, identification, exclusion, and documentation of friction ridge impressions, including fingerprints, latent fingerprints, palm prints, and known impressions. Examines and evaluates latent print evidence using accepted friction ridge examination methodology, including analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification procedures. Develops, photographs, enhances, preserves, and documents latent print evidence in accordance with departmental policies, laboratory procedures, and applicable forensic standards.

Operates and conducts searches in local, state, and federal automated fingerprint identification systems, including AFIS and the FBI Next Generation Identification system, as authorized. Enters, searches, evaluates, and documents candidate results from AFIS/NGI databases and related fingerprint or palm prints. Fingerprints persons for employment or other authorized purposes for WEB check searches.

Assists law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, and other agencies with fingerprint identification matters. Prepares for and provides expert testimony in court regarding latent print examinations, fingerprint identifications, exclusions, inconclusive results and findings. Must be able to clearly and accurately articulate conclusions and withstand cross-examination.

Maintains current knowledge of latent print examination practices, AFIS/NGI search procedures, courtroom testimony expectations, professional ethics, quality assurance requirements, and applicable forensic standards through continuing education, training, proficiency testing, and professional development. Performs other job-related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Natural Science, or a closely related field preferred.

Experience in latent print examination, fingerprint comparison, friction ridge analysis, AFIS/NGI searching, or forensic identification work is preferred. Current certification as an International Association for Identification Certified Latent Print Examiner is preferred. Candidates who are not currently IAI Certified Latent Print Examiners must meet, or be able to work toward meeting, IAI Latent Print Certification requirements, which may include qualifying education, full-time latent print comparison experience, approved latent print training, courtroom testimony training, successful completion of certification testing, and continued professional development.

Must possess knowledge of, or the ability to learn, latent print examination methodology, fingerprint classification, fingerprint and palm print comparison, latent print development and documentation, AFIS/NGI database searching, evidence handling, report writing, and courtroom testimony procedures. Must be able to accurately document findings, prepare clear written reports, communicate technical conclusions, and testify in court as an expert witness. Must possess proficient computer and AFIS/NGI skills.

Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Valid State of Ohio Driver's License required. Must successfully complete any required background investigation, security clearance, training, or system-access requirements necessary to access law enforcement, AFIS, NGI, and related criminal justice information systems.

Must have at least 2 years' experience in Latent Print Identification. Supplemental Information The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.

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