Career comparison
Chemist vs. Forensic Science Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Chemists earn more at the median ($91,240 vs. $72,060), while chemists usually get to work faster (4+ years of training). Chemists study substances and create new materials, medicines and products. 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
| Chemist | Forensic Science Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $91,240 ($43.87/hr) | $72,060 ($34.65/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $58,460 – $160,830 | $48,250 – $117,250 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +6.4% (faster than average) | +13.3% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 5,900 | 2,800 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 4+ years | 4 years + training |
| Key credential | ACS-certified degree | IAI Crime Scene Certification |
| Work setting | Chemists work in labs and offices in industry, government and universities.. | Forensic technicians work in labs and at crime scenes, sometimes in disturbing conditions.. |
What each job does
Chemist
- Design and run experiments
- Analyze substances with instruments
- Develop new products and processes
- Interpret data
- Write reports and procedures
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, working with information, problem-solving, and high-pay. Both are part of the science, engineering & lab field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose chemist if…
- I love chemistry
- I enjoy experiments
- I like solving puzzles
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 Chemist fit quiz and the Forensic Science Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, chemist or forensic science technician?
Chemists earn more at the median: $91,240 versus $72,060 for forensic science technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Chemists 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 +6.4% for chemists.