How much does a forensic technician make?

In the U.S., pay differs by state and employer; experience, a specialty, or a useful certificate can help qualify someone for advanced work. Crime-scene staff may work nights or overtime, which can change total pay.

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.

What's a typical day like?

Scene technicians photograph clues, record their locations, and carefully package them. Lab technicians test samples such as hair, fibers, or DNA, write reports, and may explain results in court.

Most U.S. jobs require a bachelor’s in biology, chemistry, or forensic science; some scene jobs require police academy training. New hires train on the job and may need a skills test; certification is usually optional.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing.

A stain that looks like blood might just be dried soda or paint. Investigators test it because a quick scene test alone cannot prove it is blood.