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Forensic Photographer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Photographer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$21

$26

$33

How much do forensic photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic photographer in Raleigh, NC is $26.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.61 and $28.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to be a forensic photographer?

Forensic photography is a specialized field that requires attention to detail, technical skills with cameras and lighting, and knowledge of crime scene procedures. It can be challenging due to the need for accuracy, working in sometimes difficult or sensitive environments, and adhering to legal standards. Certification and experience are often necessary to succeed in this role.

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 camera equipment and techniques to document crime scenes and evidence accurately.

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

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 security 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.

How do you get into forensic photography?

To become a forensic photographer, you typically need a background in photography or criminal justice, along with knowledge of crime scene procedures. Gaining experience with digital imaging, specialized equipment, and certifications such as the Certified Forensic Photographer (CFP) can improve job prospects. Entry often involves working for law enforcement agencies or private forensic firms, with a focus on attention to detail and adherence to legal standards.

What is a forensic photographer?

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.
What job categories do people searching Forensic Photographer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Photographer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Forensic Photographer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Forensic Photographer job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic Photographer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,972 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Forensic Civil/Structural Engineer - Raleigh, NC

Rimkus

Raleigh, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Join Rimkus and unlock your potential with endless opportunities for growth, learning, and making a difference!

Rimkus (www.rimkus.com) is a worldwide leader in Engineering and Technical Consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope, engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management services, and solutions built for the environment.

NOW IS THE TIME to join this growing and stable company! We offer our full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities and a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and opportunities for advancement!

Requirements

Overview 

Provides forensic consulting services requiring structural engineering expertise for insurance, legal, industrial, and other clients. Assesses and determines the cause and origin of structural failures and/or damage, building envelope failures and/or damage, and construction defects, as well as determine the extent and repairability of such failures and/or damage. Provides oral and written reports of findings and, when needed, expert testimony. Manages multiple projects. 

Essential Job Functions:

  • Performs the investigation and analysis of residential, commercial, and industrial properties to resolve claims and legal matters. 
  • Performs forensic assignments within the field of structural engineering expertise based upon a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the client in advance of performing the work.  
  • Field Investigations: Study and determine the cause and origin of construction defects or structural failures and/or damage, building envelope failures and/or damage, as well as determine the extent and repairability of such failures and/or damage. This includes gathering photographic evidence, conducting investigations to document on-site conditions, in-person and/or telephone interviews, overseeing field testing, reviewing construction and/or design drawings, contracts, or specifications, and/or reviewing historical documentation. 
  • Preparation of oral and written reports to document the causes of failure and/or damage, extent of loss, associated repair scope, and recommended remediation are essential as is providing opinions and expert testimony in litigation matters.
  • Manages multiple projects, coordinating with other experts and supports as needed to produce client reports in a timely manner.
  • Ensures that procedure is followed and performs safety and due diligence of the project when it is being completed.
  • Ability to initiate, develop, and maintain mutually beneficial client relationships.

Required Experience, Education and Certifications: 

  • B.S. Structural Engineering degree or higher. 
  • P.E. required in the state of employment or the ability to obtain it quickly.
  • 2-10+ years of experience. 
  • Project Management and/or Field Investigation preferred.
  • Depending on location, other licenses or certifications may be required.

Required Skills and Abilities

  • Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must have strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Must have high level of analytical skills. Work requires continual attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g. internal and external). 
  • Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to, Microsoft Office Applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software.  
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical reports or journals, financial reports and legal documents.  
  • Ability to write scopes-of-work, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents.  
  • Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients. Capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups and/or boards of directors.

Physical Demands, Overtime, and Travel Requirements

  • Physical Demands - Work is performed both in an office setting and at outside locations (i.e. Client's office, industrial, construction, and/or residential sites). Employee is frequently required to stand, walk on slope roofs, sit, climb ladders, bend, climb inside attics and crawl under homes and tunnels, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, use handheld equipment and/or tools, and drive a motor vehicle to job sites. Employee may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employee must be sharp, focused, and alert when conducting site inspections, speaking and interacting with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in deposition or trial. Clear vision and depth perception are also necessary.
  • Overtime - This position is classified as salaried with an exempt FLSA status. Regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch. There will be periods where overtime will be required, which the employee will need to comply with in order to meet the demands of the position.
  • Travel Requirements - This position requires up to 50% local/regional travel. Less than 5% out-of-area and overnight travel may be required.

At Rimkus, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. If you share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and are excited about joining a welcoming and supportive team, we encourage you to apply for our open positions.

Rimkus is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.

Rimkus works with a limited number of approved recruiting partners. All agency submissions must be made through our designated submission process. Unsolicited resumes will not be recognized.

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development
  • Work From Home