Forensic photographer vs photographer

The differences between forensic photographers and photographers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a forensic photographer and a photographer. Additionally, a forensic photographer has an average salary of $79,125, which is higher than the $33,968 average annual salary of a photographer.

The top three skills for a forensic photographer include latent prints, photographic techniques and adobe photoshop. The most important skills for a photographer are adobe photoshop, customer service, and excellent time management.

Forensic photographer vs photographer overview

	Forensic Photographer	Photographer
Yearly salary	$79,125	$33,968
Hourly rate	$38.04	$16.33
Growth rate	9%	9%
Number of jobs	1,964	1,772
Job satisfaction	-	4.67
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	2	2

Forensic photographer vs photographer salary

Forensic photographers and photographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Forensic Photographer	Photographer
Average salary	$79,125	$33,968
Salary range	Between $20,000 And $306,000	Between $22,000 And $52,000
Highest paying City	-	New York, NY
Highest paying state	-	New York
Best paying company	-	Jacobs Engineering Group
Best paying industry	-	Professional

Differences between forensic photographer and photographer education

There are a few differences between a forensic photographer and a photographer in terms of educational background:

	Forensic Photographer	Photographer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common major	Photography	Photography
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Harvard University

Forensic photographer vs photographer demographics

Here are the differences between forensic photographers' and photographers' demographics:

	Forensic Photographer	Photographer
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 43.5% Female, 56.5%	Male, 38.3% Female, 61.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 5.8% White, 66.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between forensic photographer and photographer duties and responsibilities

Forensic photographer example responsibilities.

Coordinate and manage providing and dressing the customers with old western costumes in preparation of taking their photos.
Photograph latent impressions on a variety of surfaces using ALS, RUVIS, and other light sources using a Nikon D3S.
Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.
Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.

Photographer example responsibilities.

Help manage and post to their Instagram as well.
Lead monthly NPPA critique group on storytelling with photographers.
Manage multiple social media profiles for community promotion on YouTube and Instagram.
Coordinate and manage providing and dressing the customers with old western costumes in preparation of taking their photos.
Assist with a family member s photography business while gaining knowledge of DSLR camera systems and various photography computer software programs.
Initiate full photography staff membership to NPPA.

Forensic photographer vs photographer skills

Common forensic photographer skills

Latent Prints, 32%
Photographic Techniques, 27%
Adobe Photoshop, 15%
Biometrics, 14%
Law Enforcement, 12%

Common photographer skills

Adobe Photoshop, 20%
Customer Service, 16%
Excellent Time Management, 8%
Photographic Equipment, 8%
Professional Demeanor, 5%
Event Photography, 4%

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Forensic Photographer
Forensic Photographer vs Photographer

Updated January 8, 2025

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