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For Educators: Military Resources

Forensic Science Technicians

Median Salary
64,940
Job Outlook
+14%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What is the job outlook?

Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 14 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,700 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$46,970

10%

$64,940

Median

$101,300

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Post-secondary certificate

    36%

  • High school

    29%

  • Post baccalaureate

    17%

  • Bachelor's degree

    15%

  • Master's degree

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Biology/Biological Sciences, General
  • Chemistry, General
  • Forensic Science and Technology
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Criminalistics and Criminal Science
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
  • Forensic Anthropology

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Computers and Electronics
  • Education and Training
  • Chemistry
  • Law and Government
  • Customer and Personal Service

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.