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$22

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How much do forensic photography jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic photography 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.

What Are Forensic Photography Jobs?

As a forensic photographer, your responsibilities are to arrive at a crime scene and document it for posterity. You are typically one of the first investigators on the scene after the police have secured it. As a crime scene photographer, your duties are different than other photographers. All of your photos must capture the subject, a scale, and a reference object so that viewers can properly understand the scene. Your role is to accurately and dispassionately photograph the entire scene and any evidence.

How do I become a forensic photographer?

To become a forensic photographer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by postsecondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, photography, or a related field. Gaining skills in photography, understanding crime scene procedures, and obtaining certifications like the Certified Photography Technician (CPT) can enhance job prospects; experience with digital imaging tools and attention to detail are also important. Some positions may require on-the-job training or internships in law enforcement or forensic labs.

What do forensic photographers get paid?

Forensic photographers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in law enforcement or private sectors.

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

AspectForensic PhotographyCrime Scene Photographer
CredentialsPhotography certifications, forensic trainingPhotography skills, sometimes forensic courses
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, forensic units, crime scenesCrime scenes, law enforcement agencies
Industry UsageLaw enforcement, forensic labsLaw enforcement, media, insurance

Forensic Photography and Crime Scene Photographer roles overlap in skills and work environments, but Forensic Photography emphasizes documenting evidence for legal purposes with specialized training, while Crime Scene Photographers focus on capturing scenes for law enforcement or media. Both roles are essential in criminal investigations but differ in scope and certification requirements.

What is forensic photography?

Forensic photography is the process of capturing accurate and detailed images of crime scenes, evidence, and sometimes victims to assist in criminal investigations and court proceedings. The primary goal is to create a visual record that preserves the original state of the scene and evidence, which can be used by investigators, forensic experts, and legal professionals. Forensic photographers must ensure their photos are clear, properly documented, and admissible in court, often following strict protocols to maintain the integrity of the evidence.

Are forensic photographers in demand?

Forensic photographers are in steady demand due to the need for detailed visual documentation in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. Employment opportunities are often found with law enforcement agencies, forensic labs, and private firms, with success often relying on technical skills, certifications, and familiarity with specialized imaging equipment.

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 expertise in photography, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of crime scene protocols, often supported by training in forensic science or criminal justice. Familiarity with digital SLR cameras, photo enhancement software, and evidence management systems is typically required. Strong observational skills, discretion, and effective communication set outstanding forensic photographers apart. These skills ensure accurate, unbiased documentation that is crucial for investigations and legal proceedings.

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

Forensic photographers often encounter challenging environments, such as low-light crime scenes, adverse weather, or hazardous locations, which require adaptability and technical skill. They must meticulously document evidence while ensuring nothing is disturbed, often working under time constraints and with law enforcement teams present. Effective communication and attention to detail are crucial, as the photographs may be used in court and must accurately represent the scene. Additionally, managing emotional stress from exposure to traumatic scenes is an important aspect of the role.

How much do FBI photographers make?

FBI photographers, who are federal law enforcement agents specializing in forensic and crime scene photography, typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience and location. They often hold specialized training in photography, criminal investigation, and law enforcement procedures, and may receive benefits associated with federal employment.
More about Forensic Photography jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Photography jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Photography job openings:
What states have the most Forensic Photography jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Photography jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Photography jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Photography jobs are:
Forensic Photography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Photography 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

638th of 836 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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