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 profession 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 through a bachelor’s degree program, such as the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) program from App State Online. 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 crime scenes
Reconstructing crime scenes
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 Median Salary

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. The median forensic science technician salary was $67,440 as of 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The highest-paid forensic science technicians work in state government, earning a median annual salary of $71,180 as of 2024, according to the BLS. Forensic science technicians working in local government earned a median annual salary of $65,890; those working in testing laboratories earned $62,860; and those working in educational services earned $49,980 as of 2024, per the BLS.

Salary by Experience Level

Experience is also a factor in a forensic science technician’s salary. According to Payscale, entry-level forensic science technicians earned a median salary of around $47,000 as of April 2024. However, professionals with between one and four years of experience saw a dramatic salary increase to about $63,000 per year as of October 2025.

Salary by Specialization: Toxicology, DNA Analysis and Crime Scene

Specialization can also be a significant factor in a forensic science technician’s salary. For example, technicians with expertise in toxicology may reach the position of forensic toxicologist, which had a median salary of about $81,500 as of April 2025, according to Payscale.

Forensic science technicians who specialize in DNA analysis may go on to become forensic pathologists, also known as forensic medical examiners, who earned a median annual salary of about $133,000 in January 2026, according to Payscale.

Other forensic science technicians may end up specializing in crime scene analysis, which can lead to a career as a criminalist, who earned a median annual salary of about $76,900 in November 2025, according to Payscale.

Job Outlook: 13% Growth Through 2034

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 13% from 2024 to 2034, significantly faster than the average for all occupations in the United States.

How to Maximize Your Forensic Science Salary

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

Education

Forensic science technicians typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, such as an online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. This degree lays the foundation for advancement in their chosen career. Those who aspire to reach a position such as a lead forensic scientist may need further education, such as a master’s or a doctoral degree.

In some cases, forensic science technicians working for police departments must also be sworn police officers, 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 BSCJ program 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.

This fully online degree program is designed with working professionals in mind, with multiple eight-week term starts that allow for flexible scheduling, transfer-friendly policies and scholarships and financial aid available.

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

Recommended Readings

Careers With a Criminal Justice Degree: Paths for Graduates

Why Study Criminal Justice: Insights From Dr. Elicka Sparks

Correction Treatment Specialist Career Profile

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 Criminalist Salary

Payscale, Average Forensic Pathologist Salary

Payscale, Average Forensic Science Technician Hourly Pay