Forensic Science Technicians in Utah
Want to work as a Forensic Science Technicians in Utah? Here’s what you need to know. 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.
What do Forensic Science Technicians Make in Utah?
For a forensic science technicians working in Utah, wages run about $64,430 per year (or about $30.98/hour).Earnings range from $45,960 at the 10th percentile to $88,940 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,960 | $22.10 |
| 25th percentile | $53,930 | $25.93 |
| Median (50th) | $64,430 | $30.98 |
| 75th percentile | $78,030 | $37.51 |
| 90th percentile | $88,940 | $42.76 |
The job concentration index in Utah relative to the national average — is 0.99.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, forensic science technicians earn a median of $85,117 per year ($40.92/hour), below the Utah median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 30,311 forensic science technicians in the U.S.. In Utah alone, approximately 210 people work in this role. That’s in line with the typical state median of 210.
Top Utah Metros for Forensic Science Technicians
These are the Utah metros with the most forensic science technicians in Utah.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | 150 | $68,640 |
Top States for Forensic Science Technicians Employment
The table below shows the states where the most forensic science technicians work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 3,100 |
| Florida | 2,440 |
| Texas | 1,990 |
| New York | 1,120 |
| Arizona | 880 |
| Virginia | 740 |
| Michigan | 690 |
| Georgia | 540 |
| North Carolina | 520 |
| Ohio | 470 |
| Pennsylvania | 440 |
| Colorado | 430 |
| Maryland | 410 |
| Illinois | 380 |
| Washington | 340 |
| Nevada | 330 |
| Tennessee | 320 |
| Indiana | 300 |
| Wisconsin | 280 |
| Missouri | 280 |
Highest-Paying States for Forensic Science Technicians
The highest-paying states for forensic science technicians.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $117,590 |
| California | $96,850 |
| Connecticut | $84,920 |
| Montana | $78,610 |
| Maryland | $78,220 |
| New York | $78,170 |
| Oregon | $78,100 |
| Colorado | $77,800 |
| Washington | $77,650 |
| Nevada | $76,540 |
Skills
The most important forensic science technicians skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for forensic science technicians, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
- Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
- Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
- Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
- Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
- Measure and sketch crime scenes to document evidence.
- Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
- Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
- Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.
- Examine and analyze blood stain patterns at crime scenes.
- Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Working with Computers
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Processing Information
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Adobe Photoshop, Linux In-demand technologies: Guidance Software EnCase Enterprise
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- General Biology
- Chemistry
- Security Science and Technology
- Criminal Justice & Corrections
- Anthropology
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to forensic science technicians include:
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Coroners
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
- Penetration Testers
- Digital Forensics Analysts
- Data Scientists
Also Known As
Ballistician, Ballistics Technician (Ballistics Tech), Biometric Fingerprint Technician (Biometric Fingerprint Tech), Biometric Fingerprinting Technician (Biometric Fingerprinting Tech), Biometrician, Blood Splatter Analyst, CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Computer Forensics Technician (Computer Forensics Tech), Crime Analyst, Crime Lab Analyst (Crime Laboratory Analyst), Crime Lab Technician (Crime Laboratory Technician), Crime Scene Analyst (CSA), Crime Scene Examiner, Crime Scene Specialist, Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech).
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-4092.00
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.