Forensic Science Technicians
Life, Physical, and Social Science
Work moves between crime scenes, laboratories, and sometimes morgues. Evidence is collected and stored so it stays intact, scenes are measured, sketched, and photographed, and materials such as fibers, hair, tissue, weapons, or fingerprints are tested to see what they mean for an investigation. Findings go into detailed records and reports; some people later testify in court about the methods or results, and some train new staff. Specialties can include ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry. Fits those who like precise, methodical examination, careful documentation, and explaining technical findings in writing and speech.
Typical education: Post-Secondary Certificate (vocational/technical)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$72'060
Median Wage Market Position
$72'060
What you might do
- Collect crime-scene evidence and keep it intact
- Photograph or film crime scenes and evidence
- Measure and sketch crime scenes for the record
- Develop fingerprints and match them to records
- Write reports on findings and lab methods
- Testify in court about evidence and methods
Skills that matter
- Reading lab procedures and evidence notes
- Listening when gathering scene information
- Writing reports of methods and findings
- Testifying in court about lab work
- Deciding which tests the evidence needs
- Learning new forensic methods as needed
AI & the future of this role
Chain-of-custody handling, lab technique, and courtroom testimony rest on physical evidence and professional accountability that algorithms cannot fully assume. Pattern-matching tools may speed some analyses, but careful interpretation and trusted expert presence are likely to remain central.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details