Forensic Science Technicians

Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. Technicians often specialize in either crime scene or laboratory analysis.

Duties

Forensic science technicians work at crime scenes or in laboratories. At crime scenes, forensic science technicians typically do the following:

• Analyze crime scenes to determine what evidence should be collected and how
• Take photographs and make sketches of the crime scene
• Record observations and findings, such as the location and position of evidence
• Collect evidence, including weapons, fingerprints, and bodily fluids
• Catalog and preserve evidence for transfer to crime labs
• Reconstruct crime scenes

In laboratories, forensic science technicians typically do the following:

• Perform chemical, biological, and microscopic analyses on evidence taken from crime scenes
• Examine results of DNA analyses of biological substances, such as hair and skin cells, and other evidence for their significance to investigations
• Consult with experts in specialized fields, such as toxicology (the study of poisons and their effect on the body) and odontology (a branch of forensic medicine that concentrates on teeth)
• Prepare technical reports, including statistical analyses of forensic evidence 
• Operate, maintain, and clean laboratory facilities and equipment

Many forensic science technicians do most or all of the duties described above. Others may specialize in certain techniques and sciences. For example, a technician who specializes in ballistics evidence may compare spent cartridge cases collected at a crime scene with digital images in a national database, referring potential matches to a forensic scientist for confirmation.

Forensic science technicians who collect and store evidence from the scene of a crime are sometimes called crime scene technicians. They photograph and document the scene and search for fingerprints or DNA evidence. They must take care to store evidence in a way that preserves its integrity and are responsible for the evidence chain of custody.

Forensic science technicians who work primarily in laboratories use chemicals and equipment, such as microscopes, to analyze evidence. They also may use computers to examine DNA and other evidence collected at crime scenes and match that evidence to people or other known elements, such as vehicles or weapons. These forensic science technicians also organize and monitor the laboratory.

Regardless of their usual work environment, forensic science technicians prepare written reports of their findings and investigative methods. They must be able to explain details from their reports to lawyers, detectives, and other law enforcement officials. In addition, forensic science technicians may be called to testify in court about their findings and methods.

Other workers who analyze crime scenes and criminal evidence include police and detectives and digital forensics analysts.

Forensic science technicians held about 20,700 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of forensic science technicians were as follows:

Forensic science technicians may spend some time in an office setting. Some have to work outside in all types of weather, and others may spend many hours in laboratories.

Crime scene technicians may travel throughout their jurisdictions.

Work Schedules

Most forensic science technicians work full time. Crime scene technicians may work staggered day, evening, or night shifts and may have to work overtime because someone must be available at all times to collect or analyze evidence. Technicians working in laboratories may work a standard workweek, although they might have to be on call outside of normal business hours if they are needed to work immediately on a case.

Forensic science technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. They may need on-the-job training to attain competency.

The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $67,440 in May 2024.

Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 2,900 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.