Chemical Technician
Median wage · national
$60,390
Range: $49K – $76K
Employed
58K
Openings/yr
7K
Typically: associate's degree
Forensic Science Technicians
Projected to grow +12.8% through 2034, Forensic Science Technicians is expanding faster than most occupations. Median pay is $72,060, and early movers in a growing field often advance faster.
About 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
- $72,060
- Employed Nationally
- 19K
- Openings / Year
- 2,900
- Entry Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Job Zone
- Zone 3: Medium Preparation
Also known as:
Ballistician
Ballistics Technician (Ballistics Tech)
Biometric Fingerprint Technician (Biometric Fingerprint Tech)
Biometric Fingerprinting Technician (Biometric Fingerprinting Tech)
Biometrician
How Much Do Forensic Science Technicians Make?
Forensic Science Technicians earn $72,060 nationally, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $57,830 and $94,520. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
$72,060
National Median (Annual)
Above the national median for college graduates.
$58K–$95K
Middle 50% Range
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
Earnings Range
$57,830
Entry-level
$72,060
Median
$94,520
Experienced
What Do Forensic Science Technicians Do?
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Forensic Science Technicians roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
What You'll Do
- 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.
Core Skills Employers Look For
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Who Thrives Here
I
Investigative
This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.
C
Conventional
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
R
Realistic
Hands-on tasks, physical activity, or working with tools and real materials are central parts of the daily work here.
Where Do Forensic Science Technicians Work?
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Work Setting
Mixed
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Physical Demands
Light
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
Stress Level
High
High time pressure and significant consequences for errors. Deadline-driven or high-stakes decisions are common.
What Is the Job Outlook for Forensic Science Technicians?
The BLS projects +12.8% employment change for Forensic Science Technicians through 2034, well above the national average of +5%. About 2,900 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
↗ +12.8%
10-Year Growth (2024–2034)
Faster than average.
2,900
Annual Openings
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
19K
Currently Employed
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
Where the Jobs Are
The five states below employ the most Forensic Science Technicians professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $72,060 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 3,100 | $96,850 | +34.4% |
| 2 | Florida | 2,440 | $61,070 | -15.3% |
| 3 | Texas | 1,990 | $55,830 | -22.5% |
| 4 | New York | 1,120 | $78,170 | +8.5% |
| 5 | Arizona | 880 | $60,620 | -15.9% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
How to Get Here
Most Forensic Science Technicians positions require a bachelor's degree to qualify. The 5 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
Typical Entry Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Zone
Zone 3: Medium Preparation
A medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience.
Degree Programs That Lead Here
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Biology | 103,883 | $57,214 | 1,774 |
| 2 | Criminal Justice | 103,302 | $55,378 | 1,899 |
| 3 | Chemistry | 19,976 | $65,120 | 1,380 |
| 4 | Anthropology | 10,899 | $46,676 | 589 |
| 5 | Public Safety | 8,130 | $57,805 | 498 |
Top Colleges for Aspiring Forensic Science Technicians
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD | 97 | — | — |
| 2 | United States Air Force Academy USAF Academy, CO | 96 | — | — |
| 3 | United States Military Academy West Point, NY | 96 | — | — |
| 4 | Princeton University Princeton, NJ | 94 | $6,128 | $110,066 |
| 5 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, NY | 93 | $3,033 | $75,971 |
| 6 | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA | 93 | $12,548 | $82,511 |
Plan Your Path
Once you've sized up Forensic Science Technicians, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if the degree that leads to Forensic Science Technicians pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Forensic Science Technicians Pros & Cons
Strong earnings and growing demand make Forensic Science Technicians a compelling path. The 2 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are drawn from BLS wage data and employment projections.
PROS
- Above-average pay At $72,060 median annually, this career pays meaningfully more than most college-graduate roles. Financial return on education is typically strong.
- Fast-growing field At +12.8% projected growth through 2034, this career grows faster than the national average of about +5%. A strong signal for long-term demand.
CONS
- Earnings and demand vary significantly by region National figures for Forensic Science Technicians mask real geographic variation. High-demand metros can pay 20% or more above the national median while lower-cost or rural markets often fall well short. Where you work matters nearly as much as your credentials.
Forensic Science Technicians Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Forensic Science Technicians professionals earn?
The national median annual wage for Forensic Science Technicians is $72,060, near the national median for full-time workers. The middle 50% of earners fall between $57,830 and $94,520. Pay varies by employer size, industry sector, specialization, and geography. National figures are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Is Forensic Science Technicians a good career?
For people genuinely interested in the work, yes. At $72,060 median, with +12.8% projected growth through 2034, there is a real financial case and a stable market for new entrants. Compare program net price against local salary outcomes (not just the national median) before committing.
How do I become a Forensic Science Technicians?
Most Forensic Science Technicians positions require a bachelor's degree as the minimum credential. a medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience. Programs like Biology are common starting points.
What is the job outlook for Forensic Science Technicians?
The BLS projects +12.8% employment change for Forensic Science Technicians through 2034, faster than average compared to all occupations. About 2,900 job openings per year are projected, including new positions and replacements for workers who retire or change careers. 19K people currently work in this occupation nationwide (BLS May 2024).
What skills do Forensic Science Technicians professionals need?
O*NET data identifies the core skills employers consistently prioritize for Forensic Science Technicians roles: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, and Critical Thinking. These develop through formal education and hands-on work. Programs with internship or co-op requirements give you a meaningful head start on the ones that take time to build.
Related Findings
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- Median wage
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Does a Master's Degree Pay Off? Barely, on Average
Group every career by the degree it requires and master's-level jobs pay a median of about $91,000, statistically tied with bachelor's-level work. The premium hides in a few fields.
- Master's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Median wage
- Graduate school
- Career outcomes
-
Growing and Paying $80K Plus: The Careers That Do Both
Only 95 of 385 federal careers both pay a median above $80,000 and grow faster than the typical job. Here is the rare set that clears both bars.
- Career growth
- Median wage
- High-paying careers
- Job outlook
- Career change
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