Forensic Science Technician

Explore This Path

Unlock mysteries by analyzing crime scene evidence to aid justice.
Play a crucial role in solving crimes and ensuring public safety.
Expertise in unique fields like ballistics and fingerprinting.

💰 Earn $75K-$119K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 24–48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 13.6% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

2 to 4 years

Job Openings

2,700 Annually

Median Earnings

$89,610 in California

$64,940 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

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$225K

$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Forensic Science Technician? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@kellythescientist

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking
Writing

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Receiving recognition

Deep Dive

Forensic Science Technician

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years