Forensic Science Technicians
Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence.
Is forensic science technicians a good career?
It scores 31/100 and ranks #122 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($72,060)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+12.8% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What forensic science technicians earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. forensic science technicians earn between $57,830 and $94,520 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live forensic science technicians jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
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.
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.
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 & 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.
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.
Related occupations
How much do forensic science technicians make?
The national median wage is $72,060 a year, with the middle half earning between $57,830 and $94,520 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is forensic science technicians a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 31 of 100 and ranks #122 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +12.8% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a forensic science technician?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do forensic science technicians earn the most?
Among states, Illinois pays the highest median ($124,790). Local pay for every state and metro is below.