Forensic Science Technicians

Also Called: Crime Laboratory Analyst, Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Forensic Scientist

What Forensic Science Technicians 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.
Industry Areas:

Homeland Security

Training Program Areas:

OCT-Only Homeland Security • Security & Protective Services

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Telephone

Tools

  • Footprint lifters
  • Biological evidence collection kits
  • Specimen collection container
  • Still cameras
  • Tape measures

Technology

Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Visio
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
National Crime Information Center NCIC database

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Writing

Knowledge

Safety and Government
law and government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
Math and Science
chemistry
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics

Education

  • % Some college, no degree
  • % Bachelor's degree
  • % Associate's degree

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Conventional (Organizer)
  • Investigative (Thinker)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Self Control
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Values

  • Support
  • Recognition
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Visual Understanding
  • Hand and Finger Use

This is what Forensic Science Technicians across the country typically make.

$19.91 / hour
$41,410 /year

Entry Level

$31.22 / hour
$64,940 /year

Median Level

$51.68 / hour
$107,490 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

Search Jobs