Career comparison
Detective vs. Forensic Science Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Detectives earn more at the median ($93,790 vs. $72,060), while forensic science technicians usually get to work faster (4 years + training of training). Detectives investigate crimes, gather evidence and build cases that hold up in court. 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
| Detective | Forensic Science Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $93,790 ($45.09/hr) | $72,060 ($34.65/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $55,390 – $160,540 | $48,250 – $117,250 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +0.2% (little or no change) | +13.3% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 7,800 | 2,800 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 3–5 years as a police officer | 4 years + training |
| Key credential | State peace officer certification | IAI Crime Scene Certification |
| Work setting | Detectives work in offices, in the field, at crime scenes and in court, sometimes in dangerous situations.. | Forensic technicians work in labs and at crime scenes, sometimes in disturbing conditions.. |
What each job does
Detective
- Investigate crimes and review case reports
- Process scenes and collect evidence
- Interview victims, witnesses and suspects
- Write search and arrest warrants
- Analyze records, video and digital evidence
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 problem-solving, high responsibility, indoor work, and high-pay. They sit in different fields, public safety & security and science, engineering & lab, but share transferable skills such as persistence and objectivity.
Which should you choose?
Choose detective if…
- I love solving puzzles
- I’m persistent
- I can talk with all kinds of people
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 Detective fit quiz and the Forensic Science Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, detective or forensic science technician?
Detectives earn more at the median: $93,790 versus $72,060 for forensic science technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Forensic Science Technicians typically train faster (4 years + training) than detectives (3–5 years as a police officer).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects forensic science technicians to grow +13.3% from 2025–35, compared with +0.2% for detectives.