Career comparison
Forensic Science Technician vs. Pathologist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Pathologists earn more at the median ($312,400 vs. $72,060), while forensic science technicians usually get to work faster (4 years + training of training). Forensic science technicians collect and analyze evidence that helps solve crimes. Pathologists diagnose disease by studying tissue, blood and body fluids.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Forensic Science Technician | Pathologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $72,060 ($34.65/hr) | $312,400 ($150.19/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,250 – $117,250 | $92,540 – $449,970 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +13.3% (much faster than average) | +4.8% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 2,800 | 300 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Training time | 4 years + training | 12 years after high school |
| Key credential | IAI Crime Scene Certification | ABPath board certification |
| Work setting | Forensic technicians work in labs and at crime scenes, sometimes in disturbing conditions.. | Pathologists work in hospital labs, reference labs, academic centers and medical examiner offices.. |
What each job does
Forensic Science Technician
- Photograph and document crime scenes
- Collect and preserve evidence
- Maintain chain of custody
- Analyze evidence in the lab
- Write detailed reports
Pathologist
- Examine tissue under the microscope
- Diagnose cancer and disease
- Interpret lab test results
- Direct clinical laboratories
- Perform frozen sections during surgery
How they’re similar
Both careers involve indoor work, working with information, problem-solving, and high-pay. They sit in different fields, science, engineering & lab and healthcare, but share transferable skills such as objectivity and attention to detail.
Which should you choose?
Choose forensic science technician if…
- I love science and solving problems
- I can handle disturbing scenes
- I’m objective and detail-oriented
Choose pathologist if…
- I love solving diagnostic puzzles
- I prefer less patient contact
- I’m extremely detail-oriented
Still torn? Take the Forensic Science Technician fit quiz and the Pathologist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, forensic science technician or pathologist?
Pathologists earn more at the median: $312,400 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 pathologists (12 years after high school).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects forensic science technicians to grow +13.3% from 2025–35, compared with +4.8% for pathologists.