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Latent Print Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Innovations

Latent Print Examiner

Clarksburg, WV · On-site

Are you an experienced latent print examiner who is looking for a new opportunity to work in a fast-paced, high throughput environment that presents daily challenges to allow you to fully utilize ...

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How much do latent print jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for latent print in the United States is $54,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $56,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a latent print examiner?

Latent print examiners are forensic professionals who analyze fingerprints and other types of impressions left at crime scenes, often invisible to the naked eye (hence 'latent'). They use specialized techniques to detect, collect, and compare these prints with known records to help identify individuals. Their work is crucial in criminal investigations, as fingerprints can provide strong evidence linking a suspect to a specific location or object. Latent print examiners may also testify in court about their findings and the methods used for comparison.

What are some common challenges faced by latent print examiners in their day-to-day work?

Latent print examiners often encounter challenges such as analyzing prints that are partial, smudged, or of poor quality, which requires a high degree of attention to detail and patience. They must also stay updated with advances in forensic technology and adhere to strict chain-of-custody and documentation protocols. Collaboration with law enforcement, attorneys, and other forensic specialists is common, and examiners must be prepared to communicate their findings clearly in written reports and sometimes in court testimony. Consistent training and continuing education are important for maintaining accuracy and credibility in this highly specialized field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a latent print examiner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Latent Print Examiner, you need a strong background in forensic science, attention to detail, and typically a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS), specialized imaging software, and relevant certifications such as IAI Latent Print Certification are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, meticulousness, and effective communication skills help examiners interpret complex evidence and convey findings clearly. These competencies are critical to ensuring accurate identification and supporting the integrity of criminal investigations.

What is the difference between Latent Print vs Fingerprint Technician?

AspectLatent PrintFingerprint Technician
CertificationsForensic certifications, crime scene processingForensic or law enforcement certifications, fingerprint analysis
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, crime scenes, law enforcement agenciesLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs, crime scenes
Job FocusAnalyzing and comparing latent prints from crime scenesCapturing, analyzing, and comparing fingerprints

Latent Print specialists focus on analyzing and comparing fingerprints found at crime scenes, often requiring forensic certifications. Fingerprint Technicians primarily capture and analyze fingerprints for law enforcement, with overlapping skills but a broader focus on fingerprint collection. Both roles are essential in criminal investigations and share similar work environments and credentials.

How do I become a latent print examiner?

To become a latent print examiner, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field, along with specialized training in fingerprint analysis. Certification from organizations like the International Association for Identification (IAI) can enhance job prospects, and proficiency with fingerprint comparison tools and techniques is essential. Most positions also require relevant work experience in forensic laboratories or law enforcement agencies.

What is the average salary of a latent print examiner?

The average salary of a latent print examiner typically ranges from $45,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certification levels. Many examiners work in forensic laboratories or law enforcement agencies and may require specialized training in fingerprint analysis and the use of comparison tools.
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Infographic showing various Latent Print job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,320 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Latent Print Examiner

Clarksburg, WV • On-site

Ideal Innovations
201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Ideal Innovationsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Highlights:
  • Are you an experienced latent print examiner who is looking for a new opportunity to work in a fast-paced, high throughput environment that presents daily challenges to allow you to fully utilize your latent print examination experience as well as your multitasking ability? Are you interested in applying these unique technical skills daily in support of the Department of Defense (DoD) Warfighter? If so, the Latent Print Examiner position on the Ideal Innovations, Inc. Department of the Army Criminal Investigative Division (DACID) Examination Services Support (ESS) contract is the perfect position for you.
  • Working within a unique 100% digital environment, the Latent Print Examiners on the ESS contract work both independently and often as a team to work through individual latent print requests and/or routine casework.
  • The ESS Latent Print Examiner position is unique because of the unique mission that it serves. Given that the operation is a 100% digital operation, the ESS Latent Print Examiners play an important role in supporting DoD customers to search latent prints through DoD ABIS and often perform complex examinations on extremely fragmented friction ridge detail impressions. This requires experienced latent print examiners to transform and utilize previously learned non-digital comparison skills into a digital environment. The ESS Latent Print Examiners also are trained to perform facial and iris examinations in order to help serve on the ESS biometric operations as necessary.
  • You will be working on the front lines, performing latent print examinations, comparisons, and effecting identifications to help serve the DoD Warfighter and protect the United States of America.
  • ESS Latent Print Examiner candidates will have the opportunity to hone their skills in using the Microsoft Office Suite and Windows through day-to-day operational work. You will have the opportunity to hone Adobe Photoshop and FBI ULW skills to format and encode latent print images for searching purposes. The ESS Latent Print Examiner will receive unique training to become competent in performing facial and iris examinations.

Typical Day:
The DACID Biometric Operations Department (BOD) Examination Services section is a 100% digital operation. Therefore, the typical day for a Latent Print Examiner consists of working on a Windows 10 computer performing latent print examinations and comparisons as part of completing internal DACID BOD and/or external customer requests and casework.
Tasks:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Examination of processed latent fingerprint and evaluation of their quality for entry into the DoD Enterprise ABIS and other Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS).
  • Preparation of latent prints for entry into the ABIS/NGI through digital imaging techniques to enhance and maintain integrity of the images.
  • Employ encoding strategies to prepare latent print search files for automated searches.
  • Manually compare latent prints with candidate prints provided from ABIS/NGI to eliminate individuals or effect positive identifications.
  • Utilize a case management/database portal system to properly document case notes and metrics as well as prepare reports to communicate results to the submitting customer.
  • Monitor queue applications to resolve Unsolved Latent Matches (ULMs).
  • Maintain digital Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WIs).
  • Provide tenprint/facial/iris examination support, as necessary, to the ESS Biometric Examiner operation.
  • Verification of all latent print identifications.

Required Qualifications:
  • Education and Experience Requirements:
    • Doctorate, Masters or Bachelors degree and 6 years related work experience OR Associate degree and 8 years related work experience, OR
    • High School diploma and 10 years of related work experience.
  • Must possess excellent/written communication and good decision-making skills, be customer and detail-oriented.
  • Must be trained to competency as a latent print examiner. Possess AFIS experience.
  • Intermediate level competency in Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office Suite programs (Word, Excel, and Outlook) is a necessity.
  • Must be able to successfully pass proficiency testing prior to and periodically during employment with the company.
  • Be willing to work shifts (10-12 hours) based on a 24/7, 365 days a year schedule to include nights.
  • Must be willing to relocate or commute to the Clarksburg, WV area.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Current certification by the International Association for Identification (IAI) (Not required at the point of employment but must be successfully obtained within 1 year of eligibility).
  • Experience using Universal Latent Workstation (ULW).

Physical Job Requirements: Meet the physical demands of working in a general office environment to include long hours working at a computer, either sitting or standing.
Work Shift Flexibility:
  • Be willing to work shifts (10-12 hours) based on a 24/7, 365 days a year schedule to include nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Candidates will have the option of working either 10- or 12-hour days for an indefinite period of time depending on coverage requirements.
  • Shift times are flexible and are up to the discretion of management based on the needs of the operation:
    1. Day: 5a-5p, 5a-3p or 7a-5p
    2. Afternoon: 1p-1a, 3p-3a
    3. Evening: 5p-5a, 5p-3a, 7p-5a
    4. Rotating or set shifts? No rotation; primarily set shifts

Citizenship: US Citizenship is required.
Clearance: ability to obtain/maintain US Secret clearance required.
Location: Clarksburg, WV
Apply: Online at https://www.idealinnovations.com/careers
Ideal Innovations, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.
Ideal Innovations, Inc. is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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