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Missing Persons Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do missing persons jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for missing persons in the United States is $25.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are jobs in missing persons investigations?

Jobs in a missing persons unit in a law enforcement agency or police department involve collecting evidence and performing investigations to locate missing people. As a detective in this specialized area, you investigate reports of missing people, including suspected runaways and cases that involve a kidnapped person. Your duties and responsibilities include investigating the missing person’s last known movements, interviewing family and friends, and reviewing surveillance footage. Missing person investigators often coordinate with detectives and authorities in other jurisdictions and agencies. You may also coordinate with homicide detectives if you suspect that the missing person may be dead.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a missing persons investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Missing Persons Investigator, you need a background in criminal justice or law enforcement, strong investigative skills, and relevant police or detective certification. Proficiency with case management databases, forensic technology, and communication systems is typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, empathy, and resilience distinguish top professionals in this role. These skills are crucial for efficiently locating missing individuals, supporting affected families, and collaborating effectively with multiple agencies.

Is tracking missing persons a real job?

Yes, tracking missing persons is a real job often performed by law enforcement agencies, private investigators, and specialized search and rescue teams. These professionals use investigative skills, databases, and technology such as surveillance and forensic analysis to locate individuals. The role may require training, certifications, and experience in criminal justice or related fields.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in missing persons investigations, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Professionals working in missing persons investigations often encounter emotionally charged situations, high-pressure decision-making, and the need for meticulous attention to detail. They collaborate closely with law enforcement, families, and sometimes the media, which requires strong communication and empathy skills. Applicants should be prepared to manage sensitive information, work irregular hours, and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Gaining experience in investigative work, crisis response, or social services can be valuable preparation for these challenges.

What is the difference between Missing Persons vs Missing Persons Investigator?

AspectMissing PersonsMissing Persons Investigator
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification requiredLaw enforcement or private investigator certification often required
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, search teams, or private firmsPolice departments, private investigation firms, or specialized agencies
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, private firms, non-profitsLaw enforcement, private investigation, security firms
Search & Comparison IntentGeneral searches for missing persons casesFocused on investigating and locating specific missing persons

Missing Persons refers broadly to cases involving individuals who are unaccounted for, often handled by various organizations. Missing Persons Investigators are specialized professionals who actively investigate and locate specific missing individuals, often working within law enforcement or private sectors. The key difference lies in the investigative role and expertise involved in Missing Persons Investigators.

What is a missing persons specialist?

Missing Persons specialists are professionals who work to locate individuals who have been reported missing. They may work with law enforcement agencies, non-profit organizations, or government departments, and their responsibilities often include investigating cases, gathering information, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating searches. These specialists use a variety of methods such as public alerts, media outreach, and collaboration with other agencies to help find missing people and reunite them with their families. Their work is crucial in both emergency situations and long-term missing person cases.
What cities are hiring for Missing Persons jobs? Cities with the most Missing Persons job openings:
What states have the most Missing Persons jobs? States with the most job openings for Missing Persons jobs include:
Infographic showing various Missing Persons job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,465 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Forensic Analyst - Missing Persons Unit

University of North Texas System

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Forensic Analyst - Missing Persons Unit
Job no: 514666
Work type: Staff
Location: Fort Worth
Categories: Data Science
Title: Forensic Analyst - Missing Persons Unit
Employee Classification: Forensic Analyst
Campus: University of North Texas Health at Fort Worth
Division: HSC-Div of Rsrch & Innovation
SubDivision-Department: HSC-Health Institutes & Centers
Department: HSC-Center for Human ID-304600
Job Location: Fort Worth
Salary: Grade 10
FTE: 1.000000
Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible
About Us - Values Overview
Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
Department Summary
The Center for Human Identification (CHI) is an accredited forensic laboratory located on the campus of UNT Health at Fort Worth. With funding from the state of Texas and various Federal Government agencies, CHI supports DNA testing, forensic genetic genealogy, anthropological examinations, CODIS operations, forensic training, and cutting-edge research and development initiatives. CHI also manages the Texas Missing Persons DNA Database.
Position Overview
Responsibilities include conducting forensic DNA analysis on samples submitted to CHI for criminal and missing persons investigations to help establish the identity of the individual, maintaining accurate testing and quality control records, and providing legal testimony regarding the methods used and results obtained in the conducted forensic examinations.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or any discipline related to forensic science; and completed coursework in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and statistics from an accredited university or program approved by the Texas Forensic Science Commission.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy
  • Communication skills
  • Works effectively and cooperatively with others
  • Uses critical thinking and logic to solve problems
  • Adjusts to changing priorities

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in a forensic DNA lab
  • Experience working with autosomal STR, Y-STR, and mitochondrial DNA

Required License/Registration/Certifications
Applicant must be able to apply for and obtain a Forensic Analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC) before beginning any casework duties.
Job Duties
  • Conduct evidence examination and laboratory tests following all Quality Assurance Manual policies and Procedure Manual guidelines.
  • Perform autosomal STR, Y-STR, and mitochondrial DNA data analysis, interpretation, genetic comparisons, and report generation.
  • Technical and administrative review of casework.
  • Provide expert witness testimony as required.
  • Maintain proficiency in autosomal STR, Y-STR, and mitochondrial DNA analysis procedures and data analysis.
  • Complete the required hours of continuing education and review current scientific literature.
  • Participation in various validation and laboratory projects as needed.

Physical Requirements
  • Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
  • Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
  • Operating machinery and/or power tools.
  • Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards
  • Noisy environments.
  • Exposure to moving mechanical parts or vibration.
  • Exposure to fumes or airborne particles.

Work Schedule
M-F, 8:00a-5:00p, with possibility of a flex-schedule
Driving University Vehicle
No
Security Sensitive
This is a Security Sensitive Position.
Special Instructions
Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. • Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.
• Candidates are required to provide their transcript(s) with application.
• Employment at the Center for Human Identification is contingent upon your agreement to provide a DNA sample for purposes of quality control to detect sample contamination.
Benefits
For information regarding our Benefits, click here.
EEO Statement
The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -and takes actions to prevent - discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.
Advertised: 30 Jul 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:
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