Forensic Science Technicians
SOC code 19-4092 · O*NET-SOC 19-4092.00 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Forensic Science Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$72,060
a year
Hourly
$34.65
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$79,200
$38.08 per hour
Middle 50%
$57,830 – $94,520
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$48,250 – $117,250
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
19,120
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $48,250
- $23.20/hr
- 25th percentile
- $57,830
- $27.81/hr
- Median percentile
- $72,060
- $34.65/hr
- 75th percentile
- $94,520
- $45.44/hr
- 90th percentile
- $117,250
- $56.37/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+13%
Growing much faster than average
20,700
jobs in 2024
23,300
projected for 2034
About 2,600 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a forensic science technician do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
- Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
- Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
- Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
- Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
- Measure and sketch crime scenes to document evidence.
- Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
- Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
How to become a forensic science technician
Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 36% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Post-Secondary Certificate36%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)29%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate17%
- Bachelor's Degree15%
Common questions
How much does a forensic science technician earn?
The national median is $72,060 a year. The full range runs from $48,250 at the 10th percentile to $117,250 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a forensic science technician without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is forensic science technician in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 13% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Writing4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Active Learning3.4/5
- Science3.3/5
- Monitoring3.3/5
Knowledge areas
- Law and Government4.5/5
- Public Safety and Security4.2/5
- Education and Training3.7/5
- English Language3.6/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.3/5
- Administration and Management3.2/5
- Chemistry3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Social Perceptiveness.