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Forensic Firearms Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anne Arundel County

Firearms Examiner

Annapolis, MD

$69K - $134K/yr

It is professional and technical work in the forensic examination areas of firearms, toolmark and fracture identification, serial number restoration, and gunshot residue/distance analysis for the ...

Anne Arundel County, MD

Firearms Examiner

MD · On-site

$69K - $134K/yr

It is professional and technical work in the forensic examination areas of firearms, toolmark and fracture identification, serial number restoration, and gunshot residue/distance analysis for the ...

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$25.5K

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How much do forensic firearms jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic firearms 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Forensic Firearms position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Firearms Examiner, you need a strong background in forensic science, ballistics, and firearm identification, often supported by a degree in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field. Proficiency in using comparison microscopes, ballistics databases (such as NIBIN), and laboratory protocols is essential, and professional certifications (e.g., AFTE) can be advantageous. Keen attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly are valued soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate, defensible analyses that contribute to criminal investigations and judicial proceedings.

What does a typical day look like for a Forensic Firearms Examiner?

A typical day for a Forensic Firearms Examiner involves examining firearms, ammunition, and ballistic evidence in a laboratory setting, often to determine if a particular weapon was used in a crime. This can include microscopic comparisons of bullets and cartridge cases, documenting findings in detailed reports, and maintaining evidence chain of custody. Examiners regularly collaborate with law enforcement officers, testify in court as expert witnesses, and may also participate in crime scene investigations. The work is highly methodical and detail-oriented, with a strong focus on accuracy and adherence to strict protocols, making it both challenging and rewarding for those interested in forensic science and public service.

What is a Forensic Firearms job?

A Forensic Firearms job involves examining firearms, ammunition, and ballistic evidence to solve crimes. Professionals in this field analyze bullet trajectories, gunpowder residues, and firearm markings to link weapons to suspects or crime scenes. They often work in crime labs, law enforcement agencies, or courtrooms, providing expert testimony. Their findings help determine whether a weapon was used in a crime and can aid in criminal investigations and prosecutions.

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What cities are hiring for Forensic Firearms jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Firearms job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Firearms jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Firearms jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Firearms jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Firearms jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Firearms jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Firearms jobs are:
Forensic Firearms jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Firearms job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
FORENSIC SCIENTIST IV - Firearms

FORENSIC SCIENTIST IV - Firearms

The State of Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

$109K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

State Of Arizona rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 50 rated states

Job description

FORENSIC SCIENTIST IV - Firearms

Apply now Job No: 524436
Work Type: Full-time
Location: PHOENIX
Categories: Research, Scientific/Technical Support, Misc/Other/Not Applicable

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY The Department of Public Safety's mission is to provide public safety to the state of Arizona.
Visit our website at www.azdps.gov
Forensic Scientist IV - Firearms
Salary: $109,852.70 Annually

To apply, you must go to the DPS website.  Click here and follow the instructions to submit your online application.

Job Summary:
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking experienced and motivated individuals to join our team as a Forensic Scientist specializing in the Firearms discipline.  Utilizes chemical, microscopic, chromatographic, and comparative techniques and instrumentation to examine, identify and evaluate physical evidence which may include: controlled dangerous substances; blood, urine, and other biological specimens; firearms; questioned documents; latent prints; trace evidence; and other items of evidentiary value. Prepares technical reports; provides expert testimony in court; provides technical advice and guidance to and trains other forensic scientists; recommends revisions to analytical methodology and purchase of scientific equipment; serves as an experienced casework analyst working complex cases within the discipline and performs related tasks as required. Supervision is received from a Supervising Forensic Scientist. 
This recruitment will be used to establish an eighteen-month eligibility list to fill current and future vacancies in the Phoenix area.
 
Minimum Qualifications:
 
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in biology, chemistry or closely related physical or natural sciences with either a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours in chemistry or a minimum of twenty (20) semester hours of chemistry with completed coursework in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry; a minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a forensic scientist in a recognized crime laboratory; demonstrated competency in at least one forensic discipline with at least three (3) years of experience within the discipline; and court or professional presentation experience applicable to forensics. 
Additional forensic scientist experience, beyond the required ten (10) years, may substitute for semester hours of chemistry (one (1) year additional forensic scientist experience equals ten (10) semester hours).  Up to five (5) years of the required experience may be substituted with professional experience obtained in a clinical or research laboratory, provided the experience involved analytical or technical laboratory work applicable to forensic laboratory testing and reporting. 
Must successfully complete the examination process.
 
Pre-Employment Requirements:

Applicants must complete an examination process. A polygraph and background investigation are required for successful applicants. DPS supports a drug-free work environment through pre-employment drug testing.
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements. All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to benefit-eligible employees in cooperation with the State of Arizona.
Accrued vacation pay and sick days
10 paid holidays per year
Deferred compensation plan
Top-ranked retirement plans
Affordable medical, dental, vision, life, and short & long-term disability insurance plans
Employee Assistance, Peer and Family Support Programs
Bus Cards (Subsidized partially by the State)
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page.

Retirement:

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System, (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates. 

Contact Us:

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 223-2290. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

Advertised: 22 May 2026 US Mountain Standard Time
Applications close:

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About State of Arizona

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of Arizona is not a conventional company, but the governmental structure presiding over the U.S. state of Arizona, headquartered in Phoenix, AZ. The State of Arizona operates within the industry of government administration and public services across various sectors including education, health, public safety, transportation, and economic services. These services are aimed to ensure the security, prosperity, and well-being of the Arizona citizens and communities. Founded on February 14, 1912, when Arizona became the 48th state to join the Union, the State of Arizona is committed to providing people-centric, efficient, and effective government. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for all Arizonans by providing a secure environment and advancing the state's economy.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

Year founded

1912

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