### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Forensic Science Technicians Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			forensic science technicians imageForensic science technicians perform chemical, biological, and physical analysis on evidence taken from crime scenes.							
						Quick Facts:     Forensic Science Technicians2023     Median Pay
            						$64,940     per year
										$31.22     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    Moderate-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    18,500Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    13% (Much faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    2,300What Forensic Science Technicians Do
                                                
                        
                        
Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Most laboratory forensic science technicians work during standard business hours. Some work extended or nonstandard hours and travel to crime scenes within their jurisdiction.
            
                                                How to Become a Forensic Science Technician
                                                
                        
Forensic science technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. They may need on-the-job training to attain competency.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $64,940 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        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.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for forensic science technicians.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of forensic science technicians with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about forensic science technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Forensic Science Technicians Do 
            

			Forensic science techniciansCrime scene technicians collect evidence from crime scenes.			
Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. Technicians often specialize in either crime scene or laboratory analysis.
Duties
Forensic science technicians work at crime scenes or in laboratories. At crime scenes, forensic science technicians typically do the following:
Analyze crime scenes to determine what evidence should be collected and how
Take photographs and 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 scenesIn laboratories, forensic science technicians typically do the following:
Perform chemical, biological, and microscopic analyses on evidence taken from crime scenes
Examine results of DNA analyses of biological substances, such as hair and skin cells, and other evidence for their significance to investigations
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)
Prepare technical reports, including statistical analyses of forensic evidence
Operate, maintain, and clean laboratory facilities and equipmentMany forensic science technicians do most or all of the duties described above. Others may specialize in certain techniques and sciences. For example, a technician who specializes in ballistics evidence may compare spent cartridge cases collected at a crime scene with digital images in a national database, referring potential matches to a forensic scientist for confirmation.
Forensic science technicians who collect and store evidence from the scene of a crime are sometimes called *crime scene technicians*. They photograph and document the scene and search for fingerprints or DNA evidence. They must take care to store evidence in a way that preserves its integrity and are responsible for the evidence chain of custody.
Forensic science technicians who work primarily in laboratories use chemicals and equipment, such as microscopes, to analyze evidence. They also may use computers to examine DNA and other evidence collected at crime scenes and match that evidence to people or other known elements, such as vehicles or weapons. These forensic science technicians also organize and monitor the laboratory.
Regardless of their usual work environment, forensic science technicians prepare written reports of their findings and investigative methods. They must be able to explain details from 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.
Other workers who analyze crime scenes and criminal evidence include police and detectives and digital forensics analysts.
 Work Environment
			Forensic science techniciansForensic science technicians often work in crime labs.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 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
                26Testing laboratories
                3Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                2Medical and diagnostic laboratories
                2Forensic science technicians may spend some time in an office setting. Some have to work outside in all types of weather, and others may spend many hours in laboratories.
Crime scene technicians may travel throughout their jurisdictions.
Work Schedules
Most forensic science technicians work full time. Crime scene technicians may work staggered day, evening, or night shifts and may have to work overtime because someone must be available at all times to collect or analyze evidence. Technicians working in laboratories may work a standard workweek, although they might have to be on call outside of normal business hours if they are needed to work immediately on a case.
 How to Become a Forensic Science Technician

			Forensic science techniciansForensic science technicians usually have a background in natural sciences.			
Forensic science technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. They may need on-the-job training to attain competency.
Education
Forensic science technicians typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. An associate’s degree may be sufficient for some positions. Fields of study may include physical science, biology, or forensic science. Forensic science programs may specialize in a specific area of study, such as toxicology, pathology, or DNA. A list of schools that offer degrees in forensic science is available from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
Some crime scene investigators who work for police departments are sworn police officers and have met the educational requirements necessary for admittance into a police academy. 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 technicians may be supervised by experienced workers, who instruct them in procedures 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.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
A range of licenses and certifications is available to forensic science technicians. These credentials typically are not required to enter the occupation but may demonstrate that candidates have a specific skill. For example, the International Association for Identification offers optional crime scene analyst certification.
To perform independent casework, technicians may need to pass a proficiency exam through their state government or otherwise be approved by a laboratory or accrediting body. Proficiency exams may test reading and writing comprehension, laboratory science topics, and pattern recognition skills.
Important Qualities
***Analytical skills.*** Forensic science technicians must be able to evaluate evidence gathered at the scene of a crime and draw conclusions about what happened.
***Communication skills.*** Forensic science technicians write reports and testify in court. They also must be able to convey details about their analyses to law enforcement officials and other specialists.
***Detail oriented.*** Forensic science technicians must be precise in describing or recording specific features of evidence.
***Math skills.*** Forensic science technicians need a solid understanding of statistics to be able to apply data when interpreting evidence.
***Problem-solving skills.*** Forensic science technicians must be able to use scientific tests and methods to help law enforcement officials solve crimes.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Forensic Science TechniciansMedian annual wages, May 2023Forensic science technicians$64,940  Life, physical, and social science technicians$53,700  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $64,940 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,410, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $107,490.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for forensic science technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Local government, excluding education and hospitals
                $65,540State government, excluding education and hospitals
                65,500Testing laboratories
                64,170Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                50,970Medical and diagnostic laboratories
                46,460Most forensic science technicians work full time. Crime scene technicians may work staggered day, evening, or night shifts and may have to work overtime because someone must be available at all times to collect or analyze evidence. Technicians working in laboratories may work a standard workweek, although they might have to be on call outside of normal business hours if they are needed to work immediately on a case.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Forensic Science TechniciansPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Forensic science technicians13%  Life, physical, and social science technicians4%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			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.
			

                        Employment projections data for     forensic science technicians, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Forensic science technicians**
			19-4092
			18,500
			20,800
			13
			2,300
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Forensic science technicians **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 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
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Biological Technicians**
            Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.
            Bachelor's degree
            $51,430**Chemical Technicians**
            Chemical technicians conduct laboratory tests to help scientists analyze the properties of materials.
            Associate's degree
            $56,750**Chemists and Materials Scientists**
            Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.
            Bachelor's degree
            $87,180**Environmental Science and Protection Technicians**
            Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health.
            Associate's degree
            $50,660**Fire Inspectors**
            Fire inspectors detect fire hazards, recommend prevention measures, ensure compliance with state and local fire regulations, and investigate causes of fires.
            See How to Become One
            $71,420**Hazardous Materials Removal Workers**
            Hazardous materials removal workers identify and dispose of harmful substances such as asbestos, lead, and radioactive waste.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $47,280**Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians**
            Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
            Bachelor's degree
            $60,780**Police and Detectives**
            Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.
            See How to Become One
            $74,910**Private Detectives and Investigators**
            Private detectives and investigators gather, analyze, and report information to clients regarding legal or personal matters.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $49,540
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about forensic science technicians and related specialists, visit
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
American Board of Criminalistics
Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners
International Association for Identification
International Crime Scene Investigators Association
CareerOneStop
For a career video on forensic science technicians, visit
Forensic science technicians

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Forensic Science Technicians
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Forensic Science Technicians, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Tuesday, May 14, 2024


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