What Does it Take to Be a Forensic Science Technician?
Occupation Description 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.
Daily Life Of a Forensic Science Technician
- Compare objects, such as tools, with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.
- Determine types of bullets and specific weapons used in shootings.
- Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
- Review forensic analysts’ reports for technical merit.
- Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes.
- Examine physical evidence, such as hair, fiber, wood, or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.
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What Every Forensic Science Technician Should Know
When polled, Forensic Science Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Forensic Science Technician
- Forensic Investigator
- Forensic Fingerprint Expert
- Forensic Specialist
- Crime Scene Analyst
- Ballistic Expert
Job Outlook for Forensic Science Technicians
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 15,400 jobs in the United States for Forensic Science Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 16.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,600 new jobs for Forensic Science Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 2,200 positions for Forensic Science Technician per year.
The states with the most job growth for Forensic Science Technician are Colorado, Delaware, and South Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in North Dakota, New Jersey, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Forensic Science Technician Salary
Forensic Science Technicians make between $34,600 and $97,200 a year.
Forensic Science Technicians who work in Illinois, California, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Forensic Science Technicians make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $49,990 |
| Arizona | $60,900 |
| Arkansas | $42,790 |
| California | $85,280 |
| Colorado | $64,740 |
| Connecticut | $73,970 |
| Florida | $52,810 |
| Georgia | $50,600 |
| Hawaii | $57,770 |
| Idaho | $53,120 |
| Illinois | $87,660 |
| Indiana | $61,140 |
| Iowa | $69,820 |
| Kansas | $50,860 |
| Kentucky | $51,560 |
| Louisiana | $47,300 |
| Maine | $49,780 |
| Maryland | $66,360 |
| Massachusetts | $79,440 |
| Michigan | $65,100 |
| Minnesota | $62,710 |
| Mississippi | $51,560 |
| Missouri | $51,440 |
| Montana | $59,870 |
| Nebraska | $56,470 |
| Nevada | $69,110 |
| New Hampshire | $70,960 |
| New Jersey | $62,700 |
| New Mexico | $42,750 |
| New York | $66,650 |
| North Carolina | $47,480 |
| Ohio | $67,750 |
| Oregon | $65,560 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,820 |
| South Carolina | $45,070 |
| South Dakota | $51,620 |
| Tennessee | $51,090 |
| Texas | $59,340 |
| Virginia | $70,290 |
| Washington | $60,670 |
| West Virginia | $50,320 |
| Wisconsin | $53,900 |
| Wyoming | $55,210 |
What Tools & Technology do Forensic Science Technicians Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Forensic Science Technicians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- IBM Notes
- Graphics software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
- Laboratory information management system LIMS
- National Crime Information Center NCIC database
- Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
- National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
- DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
- SmartDraw.com SmartDraw Legal
- The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
- Eos Systems PhotoModeler
How do I Become a Forensic Science Technician?
What education is needed to be a Forensic Science Technician?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Forensic Science Technician?
Where Forensic Science Technicians Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Forensic Science Technicians employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Forensic Science Technician may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Forensic Science Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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