Forensic Science Technician: Career Information

Job Description: Forensic science technicians investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence.

Employment Facts: In 2004, 9,800 people were employed as forensic science technicians. They worked primarily for state and local governments.

Education: Many employers prefer applicants who have at least two years of specialized training or associate degrees in applied science or science-related technology. Others prefer applicants with bachelor's degrees in chemistry, biology, or forensic science. Career preparation is also available through two year formal training programs that combine the teaching of scientific principles and theory with practical hands-on application in a laboratory setting with up-to-date equipment.

Other Requirements: Science technicians must have strong communications skills. Technicians should be able to work well with others. Organizational ability, an eye for detail, and skill in interpreting scientific results are also important.

Advancement: Technicians usually begin work as trainees in routine positions, under the direct supervision of a scientist or a more experienced technician. As they gain experience, technicians take on more responsibility and carry out assignments under only general supervision, and some eventually become supervisors.

Job Outlook: Jobs for forensic science technicians are expected to increase about as fast as average for all occupations.

Earnings: Median hourly earnings for forensic science technicians were $21.16 (U.S.) in 2004^*

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A Day in a Forensic Science Technician's Life: On a typical day a forensic science technician might perform some of the following duties:

• examine, test, and analyze tissue samples, chemical substances, physical materials, and ballistics evidence, using recording, measuring, and testing equipment;
• interpret laboratory findings and test results to identify and classify substances, materials, and other evidence collected at crime scene;
• collect and preserve criminal evidence used to solve cases;
• confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation;
• reconstruct crime scene to determine relationships among pieces of evidence;
• prepare reports or presentations of findings, investigative methods, or laboratory techniques;
• testify as expert witness on evidence or laboratory techniques in trials or hearings;

*This is the most recent year for which this information is available.

Information courtesy of:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Science Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos115.htm (visited October 27, 2006).
U.S. Department of Labor (Developed by National O*NET Consortium). O*Net Online, Forensic Science Technician, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/19-4092.00 (visited October 27, 2006).