Forensic science technicians essential career information:
- 2011 median pay: $52,840
- 2011, number of jobs: 12,440
- Employment growth forecast, 2010-2020: 19 percent
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Forensic science technicians; what they do:
If using science to help solve a crime sounds intriguing, a forensic science technician career may be right up your alley. Forensic science technicians collect and analyze physical evidence from crime scenes in an effort to help resolve the crime.
Typically, forensic science technicians specialize in either crime scene investigation or laboratory analysis. Those who investigate crime scenes determine the best ways to collect evidence. Evidence can be anything from weapons, to fingerprints, to bodily fluids. Forensic science techs sometimes attend autopsies.
A forensic science tech takes photographs and creates sketches of the crime scene. A forensic science technician career involves keeping highly detailed reports describing the scene and position of all evidence found.
Forensic lab technicians specialize in lab analysis use scientific analysis to identify and classify collected evidence. A forensic lab technician career includes working with experts in related fields to help analyze their findings. The information helps to recreate crime scenes.
Forensic science technician careers include thoroughly recording all findings and processes used, as they must be able to explain their findings to lawyers, detectives and law enforcement officials. Forensic scientist technicians often testify in court regarding their findings.
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Forensic science technicians job titles:
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Crime Scene Technician
- Criminalist
- Forensic Lab Technician
- Evidence Technician
- Crime Scene Analyst
- Latent Print Examiner
- Forensic Science Examiner
- Forensic Specialist
Forensic Science Technicians Education, Certification and License Requirements
A forensic science technician career typically begins with a Bachelor or Forensic Science degree or a Bachelor of Biology or Chemistry degree. Forensic science technicians also often receive a lot of on-the-job training upon hire.
Some forensic science technicians who investigate crime scenes are also police officers who already met the education requirements for admittance to the police academy.
Forensic science technician programs cover subjects such as:
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Physical evidence
- Analytical instrumentation
- Behavioral science
Forensic science technicians don’t need specific licenses or certifications.
Begin a Rewarding Career
Learn about an B.S. Criminal Justice – Forensics Degree
Forensic Science Technicians Job Outlook
Forecast: 19 percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020 for forensic science technicians, which is about average for all occupations.
Technological advances and more forensic evidence used in court cases increases the demand for forensic science technicians.
Forensic Science Technicians Salary
- 2011 median annual wage: $52,840
- 2011, workers at the 75th percentile annual wage: $68,290
- 2011, workers at the 25% percentile annual wage: $40,470
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Major Employers
- State and local governments
- Police departments
- Crime laboratories
- Morgues
- Medical examiner/coroner offices
Related Degrees
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B.S. Criminal Justice – Forensics Degree
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M.S. Criminal Justice – Forensics Degree
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M.S. Forensic Psychology Degree
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Ph.D. – Forensic Psychology Degree
