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Forensic Firearms Examiner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CACI

Firearm/Toolmark Examiner

Forest Park, GA · On-site

$51K - $106K/yr

Examine evidence and forensic materials and render all items safe. Examine evidence items for any ... Required Four (4) years of laboratory experience performing firearms and toolmark evidence ...

Stanislaus County

Forensic Pathologist

Modesto, CA · On-site

$175.74 - $263.60/hr

Procedures, techniques, and equipment utilized in forensic medicine, including medico-legal autopsy, forensic toxicology, ballistic/firearms examination, trace evidence, forensic serology, forensic ...

CACI

Firearm/Toolmark Examiner

Forest Park, GA

$51K - $106K/yr

Examine evidence and forensic materials and render all items safe. Examine evidence items for any ... Required Four (4) years of laboratory experience performing firearms and toolmark evidence ...

Pae

Firearm and Toolmark Examiner

Forest Park, GA · On-site

$70 - $110K/hr

We are currently seeking a Firearm/Toolmark Examiner based in Forest Park, GA . You will support ... One (1) year of experience workingindependentlyin a forensic laboratory performing firearms and ...

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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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Cities with the most Forensic Firearms Examiner job openings:

What states have the most Forensic Firearms Examiner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forensic Firearms Examiner jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Firearms Examiner jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Firearms Examiner jobs are:

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.

Partnership Opportunity: Ballistics Expert (TX Network)

Dane Street, LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Dane Street is a leading national provider of Independent Medical Examinations (IME) and Peer Review services. We pride ourselves on delivering evidence-based, objective, and timely medical and specialized technical reviews to the Workers’ Compensation, Auto, and Disability markets.
We are currently expanding our specialty panel to include Ballistics Experts to provide expert analysis and testimony on complex firearms, ammunition, and shooting incident litigation cases.
The Role


As an Expert Witness for Dane Street, you will apply your deep technical knowledge of ballistics, firearms operation, ammunition performance, and forensic analysis to evaluate the merits of legal claims. You will act as a neutral third-party expert, providing objective analysis through written reports and, when necessary, oral testimony.
Key Responsibilities:

  • Comprehensive Evidence Review: Analyze firearm evidence, ballistic reports, projectile trajectories, ammunition data, autopsy findings, laboratory results, and law enforcement documentation.
  • Incident Reconstruction: Review scene photographs, surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to assess shooting dynamics, firearm discharge patterns, and compliance with accepted forensic standards.
  • Expert Reporting: Author clear, well-supported, and objective expert reports detailing findings, methodologies, and professional opinions.
  • Litigation Support: Provide credible deposition and/or trial testimony to explain complex ballistic and forensic findings to attorneys, judges, or juries.


Qualifications

  • Industry Expertise: Extensive background in forensic ballistics, firearms examination, crime laboratory analysis, law enforcement firearms investigation, or related forensic disciplines.
  • Testimony Experience: Required. Candidates must have prior experience providing sworn testimony in depositions or trial settings as a disclosed expert.
  • Technical Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of firearm mechanics, ammunition characteristics, trajectory analysis, gunshot residue evaluation, and accepted forensic examination methodologies.
  • Analytical Skills: Strong ability to interpret complex forensic evidence and communicate technical findings clearly to non-technical audiences.
  • Communication: Exceptional writing skills and the ability to meet strict legal and reporting deadlines.

Benefits

  • Ultimate Flexibility: This is a case-by-case 1099 position. You have full autonomy to accept or decline assignments based on your current schedule and expertise.
  • Competitive Compensation: We offer attractive hourly or flat-rate fees for review time, report preparation, and testimony.
  • Full Administrative Support: Dane Street handles all intake, records organization, and delivery. We provide all case materials through our secure platform so you can focus on the analysis.
  • Efficient Workflow: Standard report turnaround time is typically 5 business days from receipt of all materials.

Join the Dane Street Panel

If you are a seasoned ballistics professional with the litigation experience necessary to provide high-level forensic analysis, we invite you to apply. Help us bring clarity, scientific expertise, and objective firearm analysis to the forefront of complex case reviews.