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Forensic Firearms Examiner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anne Arundel County

Firearms Examiner

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$70K - $137K/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

$70K - $137K/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 ...

Ideal Innovations, Inc.

Firearms Examiner

Virginia, MN · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Conduct complex firearms and toolmark examinations that directly support federal criminal ... Utilize specialized forensic equipment, including comparison microscopes, stereomicroscopes ...

Ideal Innovations

Firearms Examiner

Dulles, VA · On-site

Conduct complex firearms and toolmark examinations that directly support federal criminal ... Work in a fully operational, accredited forensic laboratory utilizing industry-standard ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Firearms Examiner

Houston, TX · On-site

Firearms Examiner Position The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner ...

Harris County

Firearms Examiner

Houston, TX · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and ... Inventories, documents, evaluate and test fires various types of firearms; evaluates and ...

Harris County, TX

Firearms Examiner

Houston, TX · On-site

Institute of Forensic Sciences Division: Firearms Laboratory Opening Date: 05/15/2026 Closing Date ... Conduct Laboratory Examination responsibilities to include, but not limited to: * Evaluation and ...

Harris County

Firearms Examiner

Houston, TX · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and ... Inventories, documents, evaluate and test fires various types of firearms; evaluates and ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Firearms Examiner

Houston, TX · On-site

Firearms Examiner Position The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner ...

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Forensic Firearms Examiner information

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$25.5K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do forensic firearms examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic firearms examiner 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 firearms examiner?

Forensic firearms examiners are specialists who analyze firearms, ammunition, and related evidence in criminal investigations. They determine whether a particular firearm was used in a crime by comparing bullets and cartridge cases found at crime scenes with test-fired samples from suspected weapons. Their work can involve using microscopes, chemical analysis, and ballistic comparison databases. They often provide expert testimony in court regarding their findings.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Firearms Examiner, you need a solid background in forensic science, ballistics, and firearms identification, usually supported by a bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline. Familiarity with comparison microscopes, ballistics databases like NIBIN, and relevant certifications from organizations such as AFTE are typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate evidence analysis, clear reporting, and effective testimony in legal proceedings.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic firearms examiners during casework analysis?

Forensic Firearms Examiners often encounter challenges such as degraded or damaged evidence, which can complicate bullet and cartridge case comparisons. Handling a high volume of cases while maintaining accuracy and thorough documentation requires strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Examiners also work closely with law enforcement and may be called to testify as expert witnesses, so effective communication and the ability to clearly explain technical findings in court are crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Forensic Firearms Examiner vs Forensic Ballistics Analyst?

AspectForensic Firearms ExaminerForensic Ballistics Analyst
CredentialsCertification in firearm examination, forensic science degreesSimilar certifications, often with a focus on ballistics analysis
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, police departments, forensic laboratoriesCrime labs, forensic units, law enforcement agencies
Industry UsageCommonly used in criminal investigations involving firearmsUsed in ballistic evidence analysis and firearm comparison

Both roles involve firearm and ballistic evidence analysis, often requiring similar certifications and working within forensic laboratories. The main difference lies in scope: Forensic Firearms Examiners focus on firearm identification and comparison, while Forensic Ballistics Analysts may analyze projectile trajectories and ballistic data. Both are essential in criminal investigations involving firearms.

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Forensic Firearms Examiner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Firearms Examiner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Trained Firearms Examiner

Houston Forensic Science Center

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description


Houston Forensic Science Center, Inc. (HFSC), is an independent organization created by Houston Mayor Annise Parker and the Houston City Council to provide forensic science services formerly delivered by the Houston Police Department. HFSC has been officially registered as a Texas Local Government Corporation* since June 26, 2012.
Houston Forensic Science Center is seeking a full-time, experienced Firearms Examiner.
POSITION SUMMARY
The primary job duties of the Firearms Examiner are to examine and interpret firearms evidence associated with alleged criminal acts. Specific duties of the Firearms Examiner may include, but not be limited to performing the following duties with little or no direct supervision:
  • Examination and test firing of firearms.
  • Comparisons of fired bullets and cartridge cases. HFSC is currently in the process of validating the use of 3D technology/VCM for use in casework.
  • Acting as a second/verifying examiner on cases completed by other examiners.
  • Conducting administrative and technical reviews of case records.
  • Testifying in courts of law regarding analyses performed.
  • Entering specimens into NIBIN and reviewing correlations.
  • Note: HFSC conducts limited serial number restoration cases. HFSC does not do distance determination or toolmark testing.

*A 'local government corporation' is created to aid and act on behalf of one or more local governments to accomplish any governmental purpose of those governments.
Experience and Skills
MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • The position requires a baccalaureate or advanced degree in a chemical, physical, biological science, engineering or forensic science from an accredited university (transcripts required). College coursework must include completion of a 3-hour college-level statistics course. Alternatively, the applicant may complete an approved statistics course within 12 months of hire. Firearms analysts licensed by TFSC.
  • Active TFSC licensure as a firearms analyst or at least 3 years of experience in the firearms discipline in an ISO 17020 or ISO 17025 accredited forensic service provider may be considered in lieu of the education requirement.
  • The successful candidate must be able to gain forensic analyst licensure from TFSC within the first 3 months of employment. Provisional licensure is an option while completing the statistics requirement.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Experience in a Forensic Firearms environment is required:
  • Prior successful completion of a formal training program for firearms examination in an accredited laboratory is required. A successful candidate must provide documentation of training program.
  • A minimum of two years of examiner experience as a primary examiner (after the training) in an accredited laboratory is strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate:
  • Thorough of firearms examination practices and procedures.
  • Familiarity with ISO-17020 or ISO-17025 accreditation standards.
  • Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain strong professional relationships with customers and internal team members.
  • Intermediate computer literacy and familiarity with common software applications.
  • Strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills with attention to detail.
  • Effective time and task management with adaptability to fluctuating priorities.

Job Benefits
Regualr employee benefit package

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