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Identification technician vs field identification specialist

The differences between identification technicians and field identification specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a field identification specialist has an average salary of $79,558, which is higher than the $47,423 average annual salary of an identification technician.

The top three skills for an identification technician include afis, fingerprint cards and criminal justice. The most important skills for a field identification specialist are fingerprint cards, afis, and computer system.

Identification technician vs field identification specialist overview

Identification TechnicianField Identification Specialist
Yearly salary$47,423$79,558
Hourly rate$22.80$38.25
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs5,32451,416
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

Identification technician vs field identification specialist salary

Identification technicians and field identification specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Identification TechnicianField Identification Specialist
Average salary$47,423$79,558
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $88,000Between $55,000 And $113,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between identification technician and field identification specialist education

There are a few differences between an identification technician and a field identification specialist in terms of educational background:

Identification TechnicianField Identification Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldNortheastern University

Identification technician vs field identification specialist demographics

Here are the differences between identification technicians' and field identification specialists' demographics:

Identification TechnicianField Identification Specialist
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 38.6% Female, 61.4%Male, 40.8% Female, 59.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 2.7% White, 71.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between identification technician and field identification specialist duties and responsibilities

Identification technician example responsibilities.

  • Attach warrants and enter data into CJIS
  • Process evidence in-house for latent fingerprints, trace evidence and DNA evidence.
  • Assist in the training of new employees - fingerprint comparisons, AFIS input, crime scene techniques
  • Fingerprint arrestee's and take their photo, collect DNA samples if need depending on charges.
  • Monetize online content by placing advertisements on infringing YouTube videos or have videos remove via client's preference.
  • Perform bacterial identification routinely using the API system in conjunction with microscopic examinations.
  • Show more

Field identification specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage a frac crew of 6-12 operators plus a mechanic, electrician and an engineer.
  • Travele to various county jails to assist in training staff on proper used the new AFIS fingerprint machines.
  • Work as certified caregiver in assist living facility/private care and participated/train in first aid and CPR.
  • Provide HVAC services with specific responsibility for identifying repairs and/or placement needs.

Identification technician vs field identification specialist skills

Common identification technician skills
  • Afis, 16%
  • Fingerprint Cards, 14%
  • Criminal Justice, 14%
  • Identification System, 11%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 9%
  • Data Entry, 7%
Common field identification specialist skills
  • Fingerprint Cards, 37%
  • Afis, 35%
  • Computer System, 15%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 13%

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