Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
Forensic Science Technicians
SOC: 19-4092 O*NET: 19-4092.00
Median Salary
$67,440
per year
Job Growth
🚀 12.8%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$40,464
25th
$53,952
50th (Median)
$67,440
75th
$80,928
90th
$101,160
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:20,700
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+12.8%
Annual Openings:2,900
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)20,700
Current
2034 (Projected)23,300
+12.8%
+2,600
Employment Change
+12.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
Top Skills
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Writing
Writing
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
✓
Active Learning
Active Learning
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Science
Science
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Law and Government
✓
Public Safety and Security
✓
Education and Training
✓
English Language
✓
Computers and Electronics
✓
Customer and Personal Service
✓
Administration and Management
✓
Chemistry
✓
Administrative
✓
Biology
Education & Training
Education Required
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Experience Required
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Job Training
Training of more than one year