Career comparison
Biological Technician vs. Forensic Science Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Forensic science technicians earn more at the median ($72,060 vs. $57,510), while biological technicians usually get to work faster (4 years of training). Biological technicians run experiments and lab work that power biology and biotech research. Forensic science technicians collect and analyze evidence that helps solve crimes.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Biological Technician | Forensic Science Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $57,510 ($27.65/hr) | $72,060 ($34.65/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $40,330 – $84,940 | $48,250 – $117,250 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +7.4% (much faster than average) | +13.3% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 9,400 | 2,800 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 4 years | 4 years + training |
| Key credential | ASCP Technologist in Molecular Biology | IAI Crime Scene Certification |
| Work setting | Biological technicians work in labs, sometimes with biohazards and research animals.. | Forensic technicians work in labs and at crime scenes, sometimes in disturbing conditions.. |
What each job does
Biological Technician
- Prepare samples and reagents
- Run experiments and assays
- Culture cells and microorganisms
- Operate lab instruments
- Record and analyze data
Forensic Science Technician
- Photograph and document crime scenes
- Collect and preserve evidence
- Maintain chain of custody
- Analyze evidence in the lab
- Write detailed reports
How they’re similar
Both careers involve indoor work, hands-on work, working with information, and problem-solving. Both are part of the science, engineering & lab field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose biological technician if…
- I love biology
- I like hands-on experiments
- I’m patient and precise
Choose forensic science technician if…
- I love science and solving problems
- I can handle disturbing scenes
- I’m objective and detail-oriented
Still torn? Take the Biological Technician fit quiz and the Forensic Science Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, biological technician or forensic science technician?
Forensic Science Technicians earn more at the median: $72,060 versus $57,510 for biological technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Biological Technicians typically train faster (4 years) than forensic science technicians (4 years + training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects forensic science technicians to grow +13.3% from 2025–35, compared with +7.4% for biological technicians.