Forensic Science Technician

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Job Outlook:
Much faster than average
Education: Bachelor's degree
Salary
High: $104,330.00
Average: $69,260.00
Hourly
Average: $33.30

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:

  • 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.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Forensic science technicians write reports and testify in court. They often work with other law enforcement officials and specialists.

Critical-thinking skills. Forensic science technicians use their best judgment when matching physical evidence, such as fingerprints and DNA, to suspects.

Detail oriented. Forensic science technicians must be able to notice small changes in mundane objects to be good at collecting and analyzing evidence.

Math and science skills. Forensic science technicians need a solid understanding of statistics and natural sciences to be able to analyze evidence.

Problem-solving skills. Forensic science technicians use scientific tests and methods to help law enforcement officials solve crimes.

Personality

A3 Your Strengths Importance

Characteristics of this Career

99% Integrity  -  Job requires being honest and ethical.
94% Attention to Detail  -  Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
90% Dependability  -  Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
72% Cooperation  -  Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
72% Adaptability/Flexibility  -  Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
71% Self-Control  -  Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
69% Analytical Thinking  -  Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
68% Independence  -  Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
66% Initiative  -  Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
A3 Your Strengths Importance

Strengths

95% Investigative  -  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
72% Realistic  -  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
67% Conventional  -  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
A3 Your Strengths Importance

Values of the Work Environment

72% Support  -  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Aptitude

A3 Your Strengths Importance

Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

75% Oral Expression  -  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
75% Near Vision  -  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
75% Written Expression  -  The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
75% Written Comprehension  -  The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
75% Flexibility of Closure  -  The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
75% Oral Comprehension  -  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
75% Inductive Reasoning  -  The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
72% Problem Sensitivity  -  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
72% Deductive Reasoning  -  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
69% Speech Clarity  -  The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
69% Information Ordering  -  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
69% Category Flexibility  -  The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
69% Far Vision  -  The ability to see details at a distance.
69% Speech Recognition  -  The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Job Details

Responsibilities
Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
Interpret research or operational data.
Operate laboratory or field equipment.
Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Record research or operational data.
Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment.
Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.
Measure distances or dimensions.
Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.
Analyze test results.
Analyze biological samples.
Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
A3 Your Strengths Importance

Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent

95% Electronic Mail  -  How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
95% Face-to-Face Discussions  -  How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
93% Indoors, Environmentally Controlled  -  How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
93% Frequency of Decision Making  -  How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
92% Importance of Being Exact or Accurate  -  How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
88% Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results  -  What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
83% Deal With External Customers  -  How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
80% Telephone  -  How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
80% Structured versus Unstructured Work  -  To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
80% Contact With Others  -  How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
78% Work With Work Group or Team  -  How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
74% Letters and Memos  -  How often does the job require written letters and memos?
74% Exposed to Contaminants  -  How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
74% Physical Proximity  -  To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
73% Outdoors, Exposed to Weather  -  How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
73% Time Pressure  -  How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
73% In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment  -  How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
72% Freedom to Make Decisions  -  How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
70% Consequence of Error  -  How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
70% Coordinate or Lead Others  -  How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
67% Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets  -  How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
66% Very Hot or Cold Temperatures  -  How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
66% Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting  -  How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
66% Outdoors, Under Cover  -  How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)?
71% Duration of Typical Work Week  -  Number of hours typically worked in one week.
A3 Your Strengths Importance

Tasks & Values

87% Getting Information  -  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
81% Documenting/Recording Information  -  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
80% Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others  -  Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
79% Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates  -  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
77% Communicating with People Outside the Organization  -  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
77% Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge  -  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
75% Working with Computers  -  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
74% Making Decisions and Solving Problems  -  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
74% Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events  -  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
73% Processing Information  -  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
73% Performing for or Working Directly with the Public  -  Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
72% Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards  -  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
72% Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships  -  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
70% Analyzing Data or Information  -  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
67% Handling and Moving Objects  -  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

What Forensic Science Technicians Do

Forensic science technicians
Crime scene investigators collect evidence from crime scenes.

Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. Many technicians specialize in either crime scene investigation or laboratory analysis.

Duties

Forensic science technicians work in laboratories and on crime scenes. At crime scenes, forensic science technicians typically do the following:

  • Analyze crime scenes to determine what evidence should be collected and how
  • Take photographs of the crime scene and evidence
  • Make sketches of the crime scene
  • Record observations and findings, such as the location and position of evidence
  • Collect evidence, including weapons, fingerprints, and bodily fluids
  • Catalog and preserve evidence for transfer to crime labs
  • Reconstruct crime scenes

In laboratories, forensic science technicians typically do the following:

  • Perform chemical, biological, and microscopic analyses on evidence taken from crime scenes
  • Explore possible links between suspects and criminal activity, using the results of DNA or other scientific analyses
  • Consult with experts in specialized fields, such as toxicology (the study of poisons and their effect on the body) and odontology (a branch of forensic medicine that concentrates on teeth)

Forensic science technicians may be generalists who perform many or all of the duties listed above or they may specialize in certain techniques and sciences. Generalist forensic science technicians, sometimes called criminalists or crime scene investigators, collect evidence at the scene of a crime and perform scientific and technical analysis in laboratories or offices.

Forensic science technicians who work primarily in laboratories may specialize in the natural sciences or engineering. These workers, such as forensic biologists and forensic chemists, typically use chemicals and laboratory equipment such as microscopes when analyzing evidence. They also may use computers to examine DNA, substances, and other evidence collected at crime scenes. They often work to match evidence to people or other known elements, such as vehicles or weapons. Most forensic science technicians who perform laboratory analysis specialize in a specific type of evidence, such as DNA or ballistics.

Some forensic science technicians, called forensic computer examiners or digital forensics analysts, specialize in computer-based crimes. They collect and analyze data to uncover and prosecute electronic fraud, scams, and identity theft. The abundance of digital data helps them solve crimes in the physical world as well. Computer forensics technicians must adhere to the same strict standards of evidence gathering found in general forensic science because legal cases depend on the integrity of evidence.

All forensic science technicians prepare written reports that detail their findings and investigative methods. They must be able to explain their reports to lawyers, detectives, and other law enforcement officials. In addition, forensic science technicians may be called to testify in court about their findings and methods.

Work Environment

Forensic science technicians held about 18,500 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of forensic science technicians were as follows:

Local government, excluding education and hospitals 60%
State government, excluding education and hospitals 26
Testing laboratories 3
Medical and diagnostic laboratories 2

Forensic science technicians may have to work outside in all types of weather, spend many hours in laboratories and offices, or do some combination of both. They often work with specialists and other law enforcement personnel. Many specialist forensic science technicians work only in laboratories.

Crime scene investigators may travel throughout their jurisdictions, which may be cities, counties, or states.

Work Schedules

Crime scene investigators may work staggered day, evening, or night shifts and may have to work overtime because they must always be available to collect or analyze evidence. Technicians working in laboratories usually work a standard workweek, although they may have to be on call outside of normal business hours if they are needed to work immediately on a case.

Getting Started

Education:
36%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
29%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

How to Become a Forensic Science Technician

Forensic science technicians
Forensic science technicians usually have a background in natural sciences.

Forensic science technicians typically need at least a bachelor’s degree. On-the-job training is usually required both for those who investigate crime scenes and for those who work in labs.

Education

Forensic science technicians typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in a field such as physical science, biology, or forensic science. Forensic science programs may specialize in a specific area of study, such as toxicology, pathology, or DNA. Students who enroll in general natural science programs should make an effort to take classes related to forensic science. A list of schools that offer degrees in forensic science is available from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Many of those who seek to become forensic science technicians will have an undergraduate degree in the natural sciences and a master’s degree in forensic science.

Many crime scene investigators who work for police departments are sworn police officers and have met educational requirements necessary for admittance into a police academy. Applicants for civilian crime scene investigator jobs should have a bachelor’s degree in either forensic science, with a strong basic science background, or the natural sciences. For more information on police officers, see the profile on police and detectives.

Training

Forensic science technicians receive on-the-job training before they are ready to work on cases independently.

Newly hired crime scene investigators may work under experienced investigators while they learn proper procedures and methods for collecting and documenting evidence.

Forensic science technicians learn laboratory specialties on the job. The length of this training varies by specialty, but is usually less than a year. Technicians may need to pass a proficiency exam or otherwise be approved by a laboratory or accrediting body before they are allowed to perform independent casework.

Throughout their careers, forensic science technicians need to keep up with advances in technology and science that improve the collection or analysis of evidence.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

A range of licenses and certifications is available to help credential, and aid in the professional development of, many types of forensic science technicians. Certifications and licenses are not typically necessary for entry into the occupation. Credentials can vary widely because standards and regulations vary considerably from one jurisdiction to another.

Job Outlook

Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 2,600 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

State and local governments are expected to continue to hire forensic science technicians to process their high caseloads. Additionally, scientific and technological advances are expected to increase the availability, reliability, and usefulness of objective forensic information used as evidence in trials. As a result, more forensic science technicians will be needed to provide forensics information to law enforcement agencies and courts.

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of forensic science technicians.

Occupation Job Duties Entry-Level Education Median Annual Pay, May 2022
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Bachelor's degree $81,810
Environmental science and protection technicians Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

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See How to Become One $65,800
Hazardous materials removal workers Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

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High school diploma or equivalent $52,120

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Sections of this page includes information from the O*NET 27.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

CareerFitter, LLC has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.