Forensic Science Technicians

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $72,060/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$48,250$117,250

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +12.8% projected growth, 2024–2034 — much faster than average.

About 2,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingWritingComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningScienceMonitoringSocial Perceptiveness

Top knowledge areas

Law and GovernmentPublic Safety and SecurityEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementChemistry

Core tasks

• Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.

• Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.

• Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.

• Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.

• Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.

• Measure and sketch crime scenes to document evidence.

• Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.

• Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Forensic Science Technicians?

The median pay for Forensic Science Technicians is $72,060 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Forensic Science Technicians?

Employment for Forensic Science Technicians is projected to change +12.8% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.

What education is typically required for Forensic Science Technicians?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Forensic Science Technicians?

About 2,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.