Posted on December 1st, 2025 in Blog, Social Sciences

Forensic Science Technician Salary and Requirements

Accuracy is essential to the criminal justice system. Even small mistakes can derail a case, allowing the guilty to go free or leading to wrongful convictions. Since 1989, errors and oversights have contributed to nearly 35,000 years of wrongful imprisonment, according to the National Registry of Exonerations.

Forensic science technicians play a vital role in ensuring that justice is based on facts, not assumptions. By carefully documenting and analyzing every detail at a crime scene, they help law enforcement and legal teams build evidence-based cases that prove innocence or guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

It’s an engaging and meaningful career path for those studying criminal justice. Before pursuing the role, though, it helps to understand what it involves, including the responsibilities, requirements, and salary potential.

What Is a Forensic Science Technician?

A forensic science technician gathers, analyzes, and interprets evidence to help reconstruct what happened at a crime scene. They collect physical materials such as weapons, clothing fibers, or bodily fluids and create photographic and sketch-based documentation. They also record their observations at the scene, such as the location and relationship of the evidence, to provide crucial context for investigations.

After collection, forensic science technicians catalog and preserve the evidence to prevent contamination and tampering. In the lab, they analyze samples for scientific clues such as fingerprints, DNA, and chemical residue and summarize their findings in written reports.

Beyond the lab and the field, forensic science technicians collaborate closely with detectives, medical examiners, and attorneys. They may help prioritize evidence for testing, prepare exhibits for court, or clarify how results support a particular theory of the crime. In larger jurisdictions, they often specialize in areas such as DNA analysis, ballistics, toxicology, or digital forensics. Each specialty requires a combination of technical expertise and critical thinking, as technicians must interpret results objectively and communicate their significance to nonscientists.

These professionals typically divide their time between the lab and the field. The work from both settings provides a clear framework for law enforcement, detectives, and lawyers to build strong, evidence-based criminal cases. In some cases, forensic science technicians may also testify in court to explain their findings and methods.

Forensic Science Technician Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual forensic science technician salary was $67,440 in 2024. Actual pay can vary based on factors such as education level, years of experience, work environment, and job location.

Job prospects in the field are strong. The BLS projects 13% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the 3% average growth projected for all occupations. This demand reflects the ongoing need for skilled specialists who can apply scientific methods to support criminal investigations and courtroom evidence.

Requirements for Becoming a Forensic Science Technician

The work of a forensic science technician ensures that criminal cases are based on concrete evidence rather than speculation. Because accuracy and integrity are essential, the path to this career involves several deliberate steps.

Forensic Science Technician Education Requirements

Forensic science technician education requirements generally include a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, forensic science, biology, chemistry, or a related physical science.

For those pursuing a criminal justice degree, the choice between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) can shape the focus of study. A BA provides a broad overview of criminal justice, including areas such as social work, community advocacy, and public policy. A BS takes a more technical approach, emphasizing scientific analysis, research methods, and forensics.

Students interested in forensic science careers benefit from courses in chemistry, biology, and statistics, as well as computer applications and criminal law. Many programs encourage internships with police departments or crime laboratories, which provide hands-on experience with investigative procedures and evidence handling. Practical experience not only strengthens technical skills but also helps students confirm their interest in the field.

Forensic Science Technician Training Requirements

After earning a degree, aspiring technicians complete on-the-job training before working independently. This stage combines supervised fieldwork and laboratory experience, helping trainees apply classroom knowledge to real-world investigations. During training, they develop key skills, including collecting and preserving evidence, using specialized lab equipment, documenting findings, and following strict chain-of-custody procedures. Training programs typically last less than one year.

Forensic Science Technician Licensing and Certification Requirements

While certification or licensure isn’t a requirement for becoming a forensic science technician, credentials can demonstrate expertise in areas such as toxicology or death investigation. They may also improve job prospects, as some employers prefer or require certified professionals. Notable certifying organizations include the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) and the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT).

Take the First Step Toward a Critical Career

A career as a forensic science technician is more than a job — it’s a calling to ensure that justice is based on truth. Technicians help uncover facts that bring closure to victims’ families, hold offenders accountable, and prevent wrongful convictions. Their work strengthens public trust in the legal system and gives every case a fair chance at resolution.

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Warner Pacific University Online can help you take the first step toward this important and in-demand profession. The program builds a strong foundation in criminal justice principles, exploring topics such as systemic challenges, environmental factors, and human behavior. A focus on Christian ethics equips graduates to approach criminal justice with compassion, integrity, and empathy.

Learn how WPU Online can help you make a lasting impact in your community.

Sources:
American Board of Forensic Toxicology
American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators
Indeed, “14 Reasons to Become a Forensic Scientist (And What They Do)”
Indeed, “How to Become a Forensic Science Technician in 5 Steps”
National Registry of Exonerations
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forensic Science Technicians
U.S. Department of Justice, Forensic Science