Detective
Investigate crimes, gather evidence and build cases that hold up in court.
- $93,790
- 3–5 years as a police officer
Science, Engineering & Lab career
Forensic Science Technician
Also called: Crime Scene Investigator · Crime Lab Analyst · Evidence Technician · Forensic Scientist
What forensic science technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a forensic science technician do?
Forensic science technicians help criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence, at crime scenes and in labs. The median pay is $72,060 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years + training, and employment is projected to grow +13.3% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$72,060$34.65/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+13.3%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year2,800Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 years + trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs20,100Employment, 2025
What forensic science technicians do
Forensic technicians turn evidence into answers. Crime scene investigators photograph and sketch scenes and collect fingerprints, DNA, fibers and other evidence. Lab analysts test DNA, drugs, firearms, trace evidence and toxicology samples, write reports and testify in court.
Most forensic technicians have a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, chemistry or biology. Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, though the field is small and competitive.
Typical duties
- Photograph and document crime scenes
- Collect and preserve evidence
- Maintain chain of custody
- Analyze evidence in the lab
- Write detailed reports
- Testify in court
- Maintain lab quality standards
Work environment and schedule
Forensic technicians work in labs and at crime scenes, sometimes in disturbing conditions.
Schedule: Lab analysts often work regular hours; crime scene techs work shifts and are on call.
A day in the life
- Review case requests in the lab.
- Process a seized substance for drug identification.
- Run samples on the GC-MS.
- Respond to a burglary scene with detectives.
See a full day in the life of a forensic science technician →
Forensic Science Technician salary
Half of forensic science technicians earned more than $72,060 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $48,250 for the lowest 10% to $117,250 for the top 10%.
Full forensic science technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a forensic science technician
- Study science
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Intern
- Get hired and trained
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in forensic science, chemistry or biology is typical, plus on-the-job training.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a forensic science technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Evidence collection
- Crime scene photography
- Chain of custody
- Lab analysis
- Report writing
People skills
- Objectivity
- Attention to detail
- Composure
- Integrity
All forensic science technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Much faster-than-average growth
- Help solve crimes
- Science with real impact
- Variety
Cons
- Disturbing scenes
- On-call duty
- Court testimony pressure
- Competitive field
Certifications and licenses
- IAI Crime Scene Certification: International Association for Identification.
- ABC Diplomate: American Board of Criminalistics.
- Latent print certification: Fingerprint specialty.
- Forensic photography certification: Photography credential.
Career path
- Evidence Technician: Collect evidence.
- Forensic Scientist: Analyze evidence.
- Senior Analyst: Specialize.
- Lab Supervisor or Director: Lead labs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Forensic Science Technician training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as document a crime scene and maintain chain of custody for lab evidence, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Biological Technician
Run experiments and lab work that power biology and biotech research.
- $57,510
- 4 years
Chemist
Study substances and create new materials, medicines and products.
- $91,240
- 4+ years
Police Officer
Protect communities, respond to calls, investigate crimes and enforce the law.
- $76,210
- 6–12 months (academy + field training)
Compare: Forensic Technician vs. Detective · Forensic Technician vs. Biological Technician · Forensic Technician vs. Chemist · Forensic Technician vs. Police Officer
Forensic Science Technician FAQ
Do forensic techs need a degree?
Usually a bachelor’s in science.
Is the field growing?
Yes, much faster than average, though jobs are competitive.
Is it like TV?
Not quite; it’s slower, more methodical work.
How much does a forensic science technician make?
The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $72,060 ($34.65 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $48,250 and the highest 10% earned more than $117,250.
How long does it take to become a forensic science technician?
Most people need about 4 years + training of training. A bachelor’s degree in forensic science, chemistry or biology is typical, plus on-the-job training.
Do you need a degree to be a forensic science technician?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More forensic science technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-4092 (Forensic science technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Forensic science technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.