Forensic science technicians
SOC Code: 19-4092Also known as:
Ballistician, Ballistics Technician (Ballistics Tech), Biometric Fingerprint Technician (Biometric Fingerprint Tech), Biometric Fingerprinting Technician (Biometric Fingerprinting Tech), Biometrician
Median Annual Salary
$67,440
+12.8% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
21K
Current Jobs
What Forensic science technicians 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.
💰 Salary
$67,440
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+12.8%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
20,700
Projected Employment (2034)
23,300
Related Careers
Compliance officers
$78,420 •
+3.0% growth
Computer occupations, all other
$108,970 •
+8.2% growth
Detectives and criminal investigators
$93,580 •
-0.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
- Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Forensic science technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a forensic science technicians:
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
89,827 degrees awarded •
1,646 colleges offer this program
Chemistry, General
18,323 degrees awarded •
1,175 colleges offer this program
Forensic Science and Technology
4,612 degrees awarded •
228 colleges offer this program
Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
2,175 degrees awarded •
64 colleges offer this program
Criminalistics and Criminal Science
584 degrees awarded •
28 colleges offer this program
Forensic Chemistry
367 degrees awarded •
26 colleges offer this program
Forensic Anthropology
62 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Forensic science technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become forensic science technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do forensic science technicians make?
The median annual salary for forensic science technicians is $67,440.
What education do forensic science technicians need?
Most forensic science technicians positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Chemistry, General, Forensic Science and Technology.
Is becoming forensic science technicians a good career choice?
Forensic science technicians is projected to see +12.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 2,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for forensic science technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring forensic science technicians include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, The University of Texas at Austin, University of California-Irvine, University of Florida.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to forensic science technicians?
Forensic science technicians may also be known as: Ballistician, Ballistics Technician (Ballistics Tech), Biometric Fingerprint Technician (Biometric Fingerprint Tech), Biometric Fingerprinting Technician (Biometric Fingerprinting Tech), Biometrician, Blood Splatter Analyst, Computer Forensics Technician (Computer Forensics Tech), Crime Analyst, Crime Lab Analyst (Crime Laboratory Analyst), Crime Lab Technician (Crime Laboratory Technician), Crime Scene Analyst (CSA), Crime Scene Examiner, Crime Scene Specialist, Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), Crime Specialist, Criminal Justice Technician, Criminalist, Criminalist Technician (Criminalist Tech), Criminologist, CSI (Crime Scene Investigator).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.