Occupation · SOC 19-4092
Forensic Science Technicians
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.
Median wage
$67,440
$45,560–$110,710
Projected growth
+12.6%
Faster than average
Annual openings
260
per year
Employed (US)
19,450
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
1,574 mapped
Core skills
WritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge areas
Law and GovernmentPublic Safety and SecurityEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageComputers and Electronics
Technology & tools
Graphics or photo imaging softwareData base user interface and query softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareOffice suite softwareAnalytical or scientific software
Representative tasks
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.Examine and analyze blood stain patterns at crime scenes.Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.Examine footwear, tire tracks, or other types of impressions.Examine physical evidence, such as hair, biological fluids, fiber, wood, or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.Determine types of bullets and specific weapons used in shootings.Review forensic analysts' reports for technical merit.Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes.Compare objects, such as tools, with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.Identify and quantify drugs or poisons found in biological fluids or tissues, in foods, or at crime scenes.Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information, such as serial numbers.Analyze data from computers or other digital media sources for evidence related to criminal activity.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Physical evidence collection procedures — follow under direct supervision when securing and packaging items at an assigned crime scene.Evidence storage protocols — apply established chain-of-custody rules to label and store collected materials in a controlled laboratory environment.Photographic documentation equipment — operate basic camera and video tools to capture crime scene images under the guidance of a senior technician.Crime scene measurements and sketches — produce hand-drawn diagrams of scene dimensions following standard departmental templates and checklists.Latent fingerprint chemicals — apply designated reagents to surfaces under supervision to develop prints for initial comparison review.Laboratory case records — draft basic notes and preliminary reports documenting observed findings using office suite software and approved formats.Fingerprint database interfaces — perform entry-level queries in AFIS or equivalent systems to retrieve known prints for comparison tasks.Scene visit preparation — accompany senior technicians to morgues or outdoor crime scenes, assisting with equipment transport and evidence logging.Legal terminology and courtroom conduct — recognize basic expectations for forensic testimony and courtroom decorum through orientation training.Analytical software tools — enter raw data into assigned forensic or scientific software programs under direction to support laboratory analysis.
developing
Crime scene evidence collection — independently collect, package, and log physical evidence at moderately complex scenes while maintaining chain-of-custody integrity.Investigative reports and case files — prepare clear, detailed written reports summarizing methods, findings, and laboratory techniques for routine case submissions.Photographic and video documentation — select appropriate equipment settings and angles to fully document evidence and scene conditions without direct supervision.Latent fingerprint development and comparison — apply multiple chemical and physical methods to develop latent prints and compare results against database records with limited oversight.Crime scene diagramming — use CAD or mapping software to produce accurate, scaled sketches that reflect measured scene dimensions and evidence placement.Morgue and field visits — conduct independent visits to morgues or secondary crime scenes to gather supplemental evidence and coordinate with responding personnel.Courtroom testimony preparation — organize case notes and analytical findings to deliver accurate, concise testimony in straightforward legal proceedings.Spreadsheet and database tools — maintain evidence tracking spreadsheets and query case databases to support ongoing investigations in a laboratory setting.Analytical problem-solving — apply inductive reasoning to identify inconsistencies in physical evidence patterns and escalate anomalies to a supervising scientist.Interagency communication — coordinate evidence handoffs and information requests with law enforcement and medical examiner offices using professional written and verbal communication.
proficient
Complex evidence collection — plan and execute full evidence recovery at multi-location or large-scale crime scenes, adapting collection strategies to challenging environmental conditions.Comprehensive case documentation — author technically precise investigative and laboratory reports that meet legal standards for admissibility across a varied caseload.Advanced scene photography — design and execute photographic documentation plans, including alternate light source and macro imaging, to capture nuanced physical evidence.Fingerprint evidence analysis — independently process ambiguous or degraded latent prints using advanced chemical techniques and render expert comparison conclusions for case submission.Expert witness testimony — deliver authoritative, well-organized courtroom testimony on complex analytical methods and findings across diverse legal proceedings without supervisory guidance.Scene reconstruction and spatial analysis — integrate measurements, photography, and CAD-based diagrams to reconstruct event sequences and present spatial findings to investigative teams.Multi-source evidence correlation — synthesize biological, chemical, and physical evidence gathered from crime scenes, morgues, and laboratory analysis to support investigative conclusions.Forensic software proficiency — leverage analytical, process-mapping, and database software to manage case data, identify patterns, and generate visualizations for court or agency reports.Quality assurance review — evaluate own work and peer case files against accreditation standards, identifying procedural gaps and recommending corrective actions in a laboratory setting.Critical incident decision-making — apply sound judgment under field or laboratory stress conditions to prioritize evidence handling when resources or time are constrained.
advanced
Forensic science program leadership — direct unit-wide evidence collection, laboratory operations, and reporting standards to ensure consistent quality across all active cases in the agency.Technician training and mentorship — design and deliver structured onboarding curricula and ongoing skill-development sessions that transfer forensic science techniques to new and junior staff.Organizational policy development — author and update agency-wide protocols for evidence handling, chain-of-custody documentation, and laboratory safety aligned with accreditation requirements.Expert testimony strategy — coach forensic staff on effective courtroom communication and serve as the agency's primary expert witness in high-profile or legally complex proceedings.Cross-agency collaboration — represent the forensic unit in multi-jurisdictional task forces, establishing shared evidence protocols and coordinating resources with law enforcement and prosecutorial partners.Technology evaluation and adoption — assess emerging analytical software, instrumentation, and imaging systems, leading pilot programs and recommending investments that advance laboratory capability.Performance monitoring and systems evaluation — analyze unit-level case metrics, turnaround times, and error rates to identify systemic inefficiencies and implement process improvements.Budget and resource oversight — manage laboratory supply procurement, equipment maintenance schedules, and staffing allocations to sustain operational readiness within fiscal constraints.Accreditation and compliance leadership — guide the laboratory through ASCLD or equivalent accreditation cycles, ensuring all documentation, training records, and quality controls meet auditor standards.Strategic knowledge management — develop learning strategies and institutional knowledge repositories that preserve forensic best practices and accelerate competency development across the technician workforce.
Also known as
99 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Emergency Management Journeyman (Air Force 3E951)Pathologist, Forensic (Air Force 44D4D)Pathologist (Air Force 44DX)Forensic Science ExaminerCrime Scene SpecialistPathologist, Gynecology (Air Force 44D4C)Pathologist (Air Force 44D3)Special Investigations (Air Force 7S0X1)DNA Tech (Deoxyribonucleic Acid Technician)Latent Fingerprint ExaminerCrime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech)Pathologist, Neuropathology (Air Force 44D4E)Forensic Computer ExaminerForensic SpecialistPathologist, Neuropathology (Air Force 44D3E)Latent Print ExaminerPathologist, Pediatric (Air Force 44D3F)Pathologist, Cytology (Air Force 44D3B)Digital Forensics AnalystPathologist, Forensic (Air Force 44D1D)Forensic ToxicologistPathologist, Gynecology (Air Force 44D3C)Pathologist, Neuropathology (Air Force 44D1E)Firearms SpecialistPathologist, Hematology (Air Force 44D1A)Latent Print AnalystPathologist, Dermatology (Air Force 44D1K)Emergency Management Craftsman (Air Force 3E971)Pathologist (Air Force 44D4)Master-At-Arms (Navy MA)Emergency Management Superintendent (Air Force 3E991)Special Investigations Helper (Air Force 7S011)Pathologist, Pediatrics (Air Force 44D4F)Computer Forensics Technician (Computer Forensics Tech)Evidence SpecialistPathologist, Dermatology (Air Force 44D3K)Pathologist, Hematology (Air Force 44D4A)CID Special Agent (Army 311A)Pathologist, Cytology (Air Force 44D1B)Emergency Management Apprentice (Air Force 3E931)