A fingerprint analyst specializes in the area of collecting and identifying fingerprints, including comparing and evaluating fingerprints, processing physical fingerprint evidence, and giving testimony as an expert witness on the subject of fingerprint identification. Fingerprint analysts can find job opportunities with federal government, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Standard education requirements for a fingerprint analyst are a bachelor's degree in a related science. It may be advantageous to take some criminal justice courses during undergraduate studies. Sometimes additional work experience in fingerprint identification can substitute for a degree, though those with a bachelor's degree have more opportunities than those with an associate's degree. Whatever the education background, science technicians usually need hands-on training or experience, either in school or on the job. An International Association for Identification certification also is beneficial. A background investigation, drug screening, and polygraph are typically required of all applicants.

Forensic science technicians hold about 13,000 jobs in the U.S., according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most jobs were in state and local governments. Most science technicians work indoors in laboratories and enjoy regular hours.

Jobs for forensic science technicians are expected to increase 21 percent or more over the 2006 to 2016 decade, much faster than average. Forensic science is increasingly being applied to solve and prevent crime, spurring employment growth in state and local labs.

*The income range for fingerprint analysts is typically $45,000 to $65,000.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics