All About Forensic Science Technicians
Job 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.
A Day in the Life of a Forensic Science Technician
- Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
- Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.
- Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
- Compare objects, such as tools, with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.
- Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
- Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Forensic Science Technician?
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 Jobs
- Crime Laboratory Analyst
- Criminalist Technician
- Polygraph Examiner
- Latent Fingerprint Examiner
- Forensic Specialist
Job Outlook for Forensic Science Technicians
In the United States, there were 15,400 jobs for Forensic Science Technician in 2016. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,200 job openings in this field each 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.
Do Forensic Science Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Forensic Science Technicians is somewhere between $34,600 and $97,200.
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 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
- The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
- SmartDraw.com SmartDraw Legal
- DataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScene
How to Become a Forensic Science Technician
What education is needed to be a Forensic Science Technician?
What work experience do I need to become a Forensic Science Technician?
Who Employs Forensic Science Technicians?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Forensic Science Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Forensic Science Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.