Police Identification and Records Officers

SOC code 33-3021 · O*NET-SOC 33-3021.02 · Medium preparation needed · Legal and protective services

Police Identification and Records Officers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$93,790

a year

Hourly

$45.09

per hour

10th$55,390Median$93,79090th$160,540

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$99,430

$47.80 per hour

Middle 50%

$69,330 – $120,520

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$55,390 – $160,540

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

114,430

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Detectives and Criminal Investigators”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $55,390; $26.63/hr
25th percentile: $69,330; $33.33/hr
Median percentile: $93,790; $45.09/hr
75th percentile: $120,520; $57.94/hr
90th percentile: $160,540; $77.18/hr

What do police identification and records officers do?

Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Photograph crime or accident scenes for evidence records.
Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.
Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.
Testify in court and present evidence.
Look for trace evidence, such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, or shoe impressions, using alternative light sources when necessary.
Identify, compare, classify, and file fingerprints, using systems such as Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) or the Henry Classification System.
Dust selected areas of crime scene and lift latent fingerprints, adhering to proper preservation procedures.
Analyze and process evidence at crime scenes, during autopsies, or in the laboratory, wearing protective equipment and using powders and chemicals.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 35% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)35%
Some College Courses29%
Bachelor's Degree25%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%

Common questions

How much does a police identification and records officers earn?

The national median is $93,790 a year. The full range runs from $55,390 at the 10th percentile to $160,540 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a police identification and records officers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.9/5
Speaking3.9/5
Reading Comprehension3.8/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5
Writing3.3/5
Active Learning3.0/5
Monitoring3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Law and Government4.2/5
Administrative3.8/5
English Language3.8/5
Public Safety and Security3.6/5
Computers and Electronics3.5/5
Customer and Personal Service3.2/5
Education and Training3.0/5
Administration and Management2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving.