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Science

Forensic Science Technicians

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Forensic Science Technicians
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Median pay

$67,440
Median annual pay for Forensic Science Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

12.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

2,900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

20,700
Estimated U.S. employment for Forensic Science Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+2,600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Law and Government
  2. 2Public Safety and Security
  3. 3Education and Training
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Computers and Electronics
  6. 6Customer and Personal Service

Abilities

  1. 1Flexibility of Closure
  2. 2Inductive Reasoning
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Oral Comprehension
  5. 5Oral Expression
  6. 6Written Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Integrity
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Cautiousness
  5. 5Self-Control
  6. 6Stress Tolerance

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Documenting/Recording Information
  3. 3Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  4. 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  5. 5Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  6. 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  4. 4Frequency of Decision Making
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

Representative 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandGuidance Software EnCase Enterprise · in demandAdobe Photoshop · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Visio · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyLinux · hot technologyEos Systems PhotoModelerTrancite Logic Systems ScenePD

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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