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How much do forensic photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic photographer in the United States is $27.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I get into forensic photography?

To become a forensic photographer, you typically need a background in photography or criminal justice, along with skills in crime scene documentation and evidence handling. Earning a relevant degree or certification, such as a forensic photography course, and gaining experience through internships or entry-level law enforcement positions are common steps. Proficiency with digital cameras, photo editing software, and understanding legal procedures are also important.

How much do FBI photographers make?

FBI photographers, who are federal law enforcement officers specializing in crime scene and forensic photography, typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience and location. They often hold law enforcement or forensic science certifications and work in secure environments with standard government benefits.

What does a forensic photographer make?

A forensic photographer typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often work for law enforcement agencies or private firms, using specialized cameras and techniques to document crime scenes and evidence accurately.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Photographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Photographer, you need a solid understanding of photography principles, meticulous attention to detail, and formal training in forensic procedures—often supported by a degree or certification in forensic science or photography. Familiarity with digital cameras, image processing software like Adobe Photoshop, and evidence management systems is typically required. Strong observational skills, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate clearly with law enforcement personnel set outstanding professionals apart. These skills ensure that photographic evidence is captured accurately and reliably, supporting investigations and legal proceedings.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic photographers in the field?

Forensic photographers often encounter challenging conditions, such as working in low-light environments, adverse weather, or time-sensitive crime scenes. They must meticulously document evidence without contaminating the scene, requiring both technical skill and attention to detail. Collaboration with law enforcement and forensic teams is critical, as is maintaining chain of custody for photographic evidence to ensure its admissibility in court.

What Does a Forensic Photographer Do?

As a forensic photographer, your job is to support the investigation of a crime scene by using photography to record evidence. Forensic photography has a purpose for each image and aims to disturb the scene as little as possible—such disturbances can taint the evidence and make it inadmissible in court. In this role, you may also talk with lawyers or investigators to help build a legal case and determine how (or if) the law was broken. To support the neutrality of evidence, forensic photographs must include the subject, the scale of the image, and a reference object. This work occasionally involves adding a marker to the scene, such as a number or a ruler. Forensic photography is sometimes referred to as crime scene photography.

Are forensic photographers in demand?

Forensic photographers are in steady demand due to their specialized skills in capturing crime scene evidence, which is essential for investigations and court cases. Employment opportunities are often found with law enforcement agencies, forensic labs, and private firms, with a need for proficiency in camera equipment and documentation standards.

What is the difference between Forensic Photographer vs Crime Scene Photographer?

AspectForensic PhotographerCrime Scene Photographer
CredentialsOften requires law enforcement or forensic certifications, photography trainingTypically needs photography skills, sometimes law enforcement background
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, forensic unitsCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor locations
Industry UsageUsed in criminal investigations, legal proceedingsPrimarily in law enforcement, media, or private investigations

Forensic photographers focus on capturing detailed, legally admissible images for criminal investigations, often working within forensic labs or law enforcement agencies. Crime scene photographers specialize in documenting physical evidence at crime scenes, often working outdoors or at various locations. While both roles require strong photography skills, forensic photographers typically have additional certifications related to forensic science, making their work more focused on legal standards and evidence preservation.

What are forensic photographers?

Forensic photographers are professionals who specialize in capturing photographic evidence at crime scenes or during investigations. Their primary role is to document crime scenes, injuries, physical evidence, and other relevant details accurately and impartially. These photographs are used by law enforcement agencies, lawyers, and courts to analyze and present evidence. Forensic photographers must have a keen eye for detail and an understanding of legal procedures to ensure their images are admissible in court.
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Forensic Photographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Photographer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,554 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Deputy Director of Forensic Autopsy Support Services

City of New York

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

City Of New York rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

637th of 835 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Job Description

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person.
Our core purpose is to protect public health and serve impartial justice through forensic science and medicine. We exist to provide answers in support of families and communities during times of profound need.
The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve.
- Commitment: Dedicated to the mission at all times
- Accountability: Responsible to each other and the community
- Resilience: Adapt in the face of adversity
- Excellence: Achieve and maintain the highest quality
- Service: Innovate to meet evolving needs
Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Oversee the daily operations of forensic photography services, ensuring timely, accurate, and consistent documentation in support of medicolegal investigations.
- Manage forensic radiography and PMCT operations, including the implementation of imaging protocols, quality assurance measures, and staff competency development.
- Coordinate and oversee forensic autopsy support services to ensure efficient case processing and effective support to forensic pathologists.
- Develop, implement, and maintain standardized operating procedures and quality standards for forensic photography, radiography, PMCT, and autopsy support functions.
- Supervise assigned staff, including scheduling, workload distribution, training, performance management, and professional development activities.
- Monitor operational performance and workflow across all assigned units, identifying and addressing issues that impact service delivery, case throughput, or quality.
- Coordinate with pathology, investigations, records, and other agency units to support efficient operations and continuity of case-related services.
- Ensure compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, accreditation, health and safety, and agency requirements governing forensic operations.
- Oversee the maintenance, testing, and operational readiness of imaging equipment and other assigned resources; coordinate equipment repairs, upgrades, and replacement planning as needed.
- Manage inventory and procurement of supplies, equipment, and materials necessary to support forensic photography, radiography, PMCT, and autopsy services operations.
- Serve as essential personnel and maintain availability to support agency operations during emergencies, continuity of operations activations, and mass fatality incidents, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
- Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.
- All other duties as assigned.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICOLEGAL - 95497

Qualifications

1. A New York State license as a Physician Assistant with current Registration Certificate issued by New York State, plus two years of experience as a Physician Assistant and two years of experience as a Medicolegal Investigator; or
2. A current Nurse Practitioner Registration Certificate issued by New York State, plus two years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner and two years of experience as a Medicolegal Investigator; or
3. Five years of experience as a Medicolegal Investigator.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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