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Forensics Photographer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Forensics Photographer information

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$19

$23

$29

How much do forensics photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensics photographer in Michigan is $23.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $25.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are forensic photographers in demand?

Forensic photographers are in steady demand due to their specialized role in documenting crime scenes and evidence for law enforcement agencies. The job requires technical photography skills, knowledge of crime scene protocols, and often certification, with employment opportunities primarily in government and law enforcement sectors. Demand can vary based on crime rates and funding for forensic departments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a forensics photographer?

To thrive as a Forensics Photographer, you need expertise in photography techniques, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of forensic procedures, often supported by relevant certifications or a background in criminal justice or photography. Familiarity with digital cameras, photo editing software, and evidence management systems is typically required. Strong observational skills, objectivity, and clear communication help ensure accurate documentation and collaboration with law enforcement teams. These skills are crucial for producing reliable photographic evidence that upholds the integrity of criminal investigations and judicial processes.

What is a forensics photographer?

Forensics photographers, also known as crime scene photographers, are professionals who capture detailed images of crime scenes, evidence, and related subjects to aid in criminal investigations. Their photographs provide a visual record that can be analyzed by investigators and presented in court as evidence. They must accurately document scenes while preserving evidence integrity, often working closely with law enforcement and forensic teams. The role requires technical expertise in photography as well as a strong understanding of legal and investigative procedures.

What do forensic photographers get paid?

Forensic photographers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. Salaries can also vary based on the complexity of cases and the agency or organization they work for.

What are common challenges faced by forensics photographers, and how can they be addressed?

Forensics Photographers often encounter challenging environments, such as low light, adverse weather, or crowded crime scenes, which can make capturing clear and comprehensive images difficult. They must also ensure meticulous documentation and maintain the integrity of evidence, as their photographs may be used in legal proceedings. To address these challenges, Forensics Photographers rely on specialized equipment, effective communication with law enforcement teams, and ongoing training in best practices for evidence handling and scene management.

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

AspectForensics PhotographerCrime Scene Photographer
CredentialsPhotography certification, forensic trainingPhotography certification, crime scene procedures
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, forensic unitsCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor locations
Industry UsageLaw enforcement, forensic labsLaw enforcement agencies, crime investigations

Both roles involve capturing photographic evidence for criminal investigations. Forensics Photographers focus on documenting evidence with forensic accuracy, often working in labs or controlled environments. Crime Scene Photographers primarily photograph crime scenes at the location, emphasizing scene documentation. While their skills overlap, Forensics Photographers typically have specialized forensic training, and their work environment is more lab-based, whereas Crime Scene Photographers work directly at crime scenes.

What are popular job titles related to Forensics Photographer jobs in Michigan? For Forensics Photographer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensics Photographer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Forensics Photographer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Forensics Photographer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Forensics Photographer job openings:
Forensics Photographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensics Photographer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,292 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Forensic Autopsy Technician I

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

$17.47 - $20.37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Western Michigan University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Forensic Autopsy Technician prepares bodies for postmortem examinations, assists pathologist
during and after the examination, and prepares body for release to funeral home; provide medical
photography services. Provides support with transfer of cadavers to anatomy laboratory and into storage,
maintenance of cadavers and the anatomy lab, and assisting with prosections of cadavers, as needed.
Performs routine and non-routine activities involved in the storage, filing, and preparation of slides for
microscopic evaluation and adheres to established quality control criteria and established procedures.
BENEFITS
  • Wellness reimbursement.
  • Continuing education and tuition reimbursement.
  • Employer-funded retirement plan.
  • Two medical plan options: PPO and High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with employer HSA contribution.
  • Flexible work solutions based on position and department.
  • Up to four weeks of PTO accrual beginning in year one.
  • Paid holidays.
  • Paid volunteer time.
  • Paid preferred holiday.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Coordinates workload to complete assignments within requested time frame. Prepares paperwork and tools to accomplish the daily workload.
  • Responsible for the receipt, identification and transfer of all decedents into and out of WMed, maintaining chain of custody protocols in accordance with WMed protocols and in compliance with standards set forth by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME).
  • Performs postmortem radiography according to safety standards, including Lodox ®, Carestream, computed tomography (CT) and assists with postmortem dental radiography, as needed.
  • Responsible for the collection and preservation of clothing, physical and biological evidence for forensic analysis. Documents and maintains evidentiary materials in accordance with established policies and procedures, including chain of custody protocols compliant with standards set forth by NAME.
  • Responsible for the collection, appropriate labeling, documentation and packaging of specimens for toxicological analysis maintaining chain of custody protocols and in accordance with NAME standards.
  • Documents external examination, including: verification of decedent identification, photographs and documents all personal belongings and items pertinent to examination, including medical treatment, decedent identifiers and evidentiary materials, if applicable.
  • Under direct supervision of the assigned pathologist, performs in situ dissection of the autopsy procedure, including the identification, observation and evisceration of organs and tissues from the chest, abdomen and head.
  • Responsible for the documentation of examination information, observations, weights, and measurements following established procedures. Photographs medical/forensic materials with accurate labeling, uploads digital photographs to case management system.
  • Following examination, prepares decedent for funeral home and notifies funeral home and/or transport service, if applicable. Documents all communication.
  • With supervision, oversees the release of decedents to funeral homes and/or appropriate transport services.
  • Maintains morgue organization and cleanliness; ensures surfaces are free of blood and body fluids.
  • Disposes of hazardous waste and specimen storage appropriately.
  • Responsible for maintaining daily log of cooler inventory of decedents and specimens, temperature monitoring and laboratory supplies.
  • Practices universal precautions and follows infection control policies and procedures accordingly.
  • Assists in the Anatomy Laboratory, including support with transfer of cadavers, maintenance of cadavers, and cleanliness.
  • Assists in the Anthropology Laboratory, as needed, transferring decedents/specimens and decedents for examination.
  • Attends and engages in all unit and departmental meetings.
  • Maintains a clean and well-organized work area
  • At times, may be responsible for cleaning up bodily fluids from decedents/cadavers outside of department.
  • Availability to work weekends and holidays.
  • Availability to work occasional overtime or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
  • Availability to provide on-call, overnight customer service with occasional response to morgue for time sensitive release procedures.
  • Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
  • Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions
  • All other duties as assigned.

Requirements
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
  • Associate degree; or two years of college in a scientific or applicable field, preferred.
  • Knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology, preferred.
  • Previous volunteer or work experience in a medical or patient care setting, required.
  • Experience labeling, managing, organizing, and shipping samples, preferred.
  • Experience operating cassette and slide printing equipment, preferred.
  • Experience operating laboratory equipment, including centrifuge and specimen labeling printers, preferred.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Current valid Driver's License required.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Comfortable communicating with grieving individuals.
  • The ability to follow detailed oral and written directions and protocols.
  • Ability to attend to human remains in various stages of decomposition, disease and trauma.
  • Able to cope with the psychological effects of death.
  • Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of information.
  • Ability to adhere to stringent sanitation and biohazard control measures.
  • Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of work flow.
  • Able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision.

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