Forensic Science Technician

Your Fit

Income

$67K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

12.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Forensic Science Technician?

Forensic Science Technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. They apply principles of biology, chemistry, and physical science to help solve crimes.

Sample job titles:

Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), Criminalist, CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Forensic Scientist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Forensic Science Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Forensic Science Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$46K per year	$53K per year	$67K per year	$89K per year	$111K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $18K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Forensic Science Technician do?

Work environment

Forensic Science Technicians work in laboratories, offices, and sometimes at crime scenes. They often collaborate with law enforcement officials and may testify in court about their findings. Their work environment can vary greatly, from the controlled conditions of a laboratory to varied outdoor scenes.

Quick task list

Collects and preserves physical evidence from crime scenes.
Performs tests on evidence, such as analyzing DNA, fingerprints, and chemical substances.
Documents findings and prepares reports for law enforcement and legal proceedings.
Testifies in court regarding forensic procedures and findings.
Keeps abreast of the latest techniques and technology in forensic science.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Criminalistics: Focusing on the analysis of physical evidence.
Forensic Biology: Specializing in DNA analysis and other biological evidence.
Forensic Chemistry: Analyzing chemical substances, including drugs and toxic materials.
Forensic Toxicology: Examining bodily fluids for the presence of toxins and drugs.
Digital Forensics: Recovering and investigating material found in digital devices.

Description

Forensic Science Technicians are critical in the investigative process, providing the scientific analysis necessary to solve crimes. Their work involves a blend of fieldwork, collecting evidence at crime scenes, and detailed laboratory work, where they analyze this evidence. A high level of precision and attention to detail is crucial in this role, as the results of their work can be pivotal in criminal investigations.

In addition to technical skills, Forensic Science Technicians must possess strong communication skills, as they often collaborate with law enforcement officers and may need to explain their findings to those without a scientific background. They may also testify in court, requiring them to present their findings clearly and effectively.

The career is both challenging and rewarding, offering a unique blend of science and justice. Technicians must continuously update their skills to keep pace with advances in forensic science. The job can be demanding, especially when working on complex or high-profile cases, but provides the satisfaction of contributing significantly to the criminal justice system.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a key role in solving crimes and contributing to the justice system.
Engaging in challenging and varied scientific work.
The opportunity to continuously learn and utilize cutting-edge technology.

You might make a good Forensic Science Technician if you are...

Fascinated by science and its application to law and criminal justice.
Detail-oriented, with a methodical approach to problem-solving.
Able to handle potentially distressing crime scenes and evidence.
Strong in both written and verbal communication.
Interested in a career that combines field and laboratory work.

Pros:

A rewarding career that directly contributes to public safety and justice.
Diverse opportunities in various forensic science disciplines.
Engaging and intellectually stimulating work.

Cons:

Exposure to distressing scenes and materials.
The need for extreme precision and accuracy under potentially stressful conditions.
Irregular hours, especially when required to visit crime scenes.

How to become a Forensic Science Technician

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field is typically required, which takes about 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions might require additional specialized training or certifications.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and chemistry to lay a strong foundation in the sciences.
Mathematics, particularly statistics, for data analysis.
Psychology to understand aspects of criminal behavior.
Law or justice-related courses, if available, for a foundational understanding of the legal system.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining science clubs or participating in science fairs.
Volunteering with local law enforcement agencies or legal organizations.
Engaging in debate or public speaking clubs to enhance communication skills.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field.
Gain practical experience through internships in forensic laboratories or with law enforcement agencies.
Consider specialized certifications or training in areas like DNA analysis or digital forensics.

More resources

American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) - Provides resources and networking opportunities in forensic science.
Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) - Lists accredited programs in forensic science.
National Institute of Justice - Forensic Sciences - Offers resources and research on forensic sciences.
International Association for Identification (IAI) - A professional association for those involved in forensic identification, investigation, and scientific examination.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.