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.

$67,440

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

+13% projected 2024–2034

Bachelor's degree

Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Forensic science technicians work at crime scenes and in laboratories to help solve criminal cases by examining physical evidence. At crime scenes, they carefully collect items like fingerprints, blood samples, weapons, fibers, and other materials that might provide clues about what happened. They photograph evidence, document its location, and ensure it's properly preserved for analysis. Back in the laboratory, they use specialized equipment and scientific methods to examine these materials, running tests on DNA, analyzing chemical substances, comparing fingerprints, or studying ballistics evidence from firearms.

Programs That Prepare You

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