Forensic Science Technician: Salary and Overview

A forensic science technician’s salary is just one reason that many are flocking to this career. This growing career enables students hopeful of joining the criminal justice field to find a role that lets them make a difference. These criminal justice professionals see parts of a crime scene that many others overlook; their critical research allows law enforcement officers to solve crimes and catch the right perpetrator.

Becoming a forensic science technician starts with developing a firm understanding of the world of criminal justice with a bachelor’s degree. From there, students can take multiple paths to find their way into a forensic science technician position.

What Is a Forensic Science Technician?

Forensic science technicians play an integral role in analyzing criminal investigations. They collect, organize, maintain and study scientific evidence. Also sometimes called crime scene technicians, these criminal justice professionals work both in the field at crime scenes and in laboratories. Although police departments usually employ them, they can also work in other settings, including hospitals, where their focus is typically on investigating deaths and determining their causes.

Many forensic science technicians work in multiple sectors of forensics, but they can also specialize in specific departments. For example, a forensic science technician may specialize in toxicology, which enables them to help determine whether a victim consumed poisons, drugs or other chemicals.

Forensic Science Technician Job Description

The roles and responsibilities of a forensic science technician can include the following:

Collecting and documenting evidence while maintaining its integrity
Photographing or sketching a crime scene
Reconstructing a crime scene
Analyzing evidence through chemical, biological and microscopic methods
Consulting with experts in various fields, such as ballistics and toxicology
Creating and communicating technical reports
Keeping the laboratory in working order
Testifying in court about findings and reports

Forensic Science Technician Salary and Job Outlook

Working as a forensic science technician can put you on a path to a lucrative, rewarding career. This field is also growing, paving the way for even more future opportunities.

Forensic Science Technician Salary

The median forensic science technician salary was about $64,940 as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Becoming a forensic science technician is a great stepping stone to higher positions in the forensic science field, possibly resulting in a higher salary. For example, a forensic science technician with expertise who trains in the toxicology field may reach the position of forensic toxicologist, which has a median salary of about $75,460 as of June 2024, according to Payscale.

Forensic Science Technician Career Outlook

The BLS reports that the forensic science technician career is growing fast. The bureau projects that the number of forensic science technician positions will grow by 14% from 2023 to 2033, significantly faster than the average for all occupations in the United States.

How to Become a Forensic Science Technician

Forensic science technicians can take multiple paths to reach their desired position, especially if they want to specialize in specific fields. However, forensic science technicians need to meet some education, experience and skill requirements.

Education

To land their desired position, forensic science technicians typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, such as an Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice. This degree lays the foundation for advancement in their chosen career. Those who aspire to reach a position such as lead forensic scientist may need further education, such as a master’s or a doctoral degree.

In some cases, a forensic science technician working for a police department must also be a sworn police officer, which requires them to graduate from a police academy.

Professional Experience

Forensic science technicians receive on-the-job training, both in the laboratory and in the field, before they can work on cases on their own. This training typically lasts less than a year, but it can be longer if the technician plans to work in a specific field.

Aspiring forensic science technicians may also want to train for certain certifications to stand out from other students. The International Association for Identification (IAI) offers several certifications that may be beneficial for forensic science technicians to obtain, such as certification in Forensic Photography & Imaging. Depending on the state and work setting where the forensic science technician is located, they may also need to complete a proficiency exam before being hired.

Necessary Skills

Skills required for a career as a forensic science technician include the following:

Analytical: Forensic science technicians must be able to analyze crime scenes to create theories relating to the evidence they collect.
Teamwork: Forensic science technicians must be able to work well with others, as they collaborate with many different people, including lead scientists, detectives and specialists in specific departments of forensics.
Communication: Forensic science technicians must be able to document their findings and communicate those reports to other team members, higher-ups, police officers and others working on the same crime.
Public Speaking: Forensic science technicians must be comfortable speaking publicly since they’ll be asked to testify regarding their findings.
Detail-Oriented: Forensic science technicians must uncover aspects of crime scenes that other people may overlook.

Preparing for a Forensic Science Technician Career

Earning a forensic science technician’s salary and climbing the ladder up to a profitable, fulfilling career in this unique field starts with building an understanding of the world of criminal justice. Laying the framework for this future career begins when you earn your bachelor’s degree, such as the Online BS in Criminal Justice from App State Online.

This degree enables students to learn about complex criminal justice issues and hone the skills necessary for a career as a forensic science technician, such as problem-solving and communication. Students will also learn essential leadership skills to help them advance beyond the technician level.

Learn more about how App State Online’s criminal justice courses can start your career as a forensic science technician.

Sources:

Indeed, How to Become a Forensic Science Technician in 5 Steps

Indeed, What Does a Forensic Technician Do? (With Skills and Salary)

International Association for Identification, Forensic Photography & Imaging

Payscale, Average Forensic Science Technician Hourly Pay

Payscale, Average Forensic Toxicologist Salary

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forensic Science Technicians