Forensic Science Technicians
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations.
About the profession
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.
How to Get Started
Take a personality test to see if Forensic Science Technicians fits your profile
Career Match Test →Explore the Career Path section to see progression from junior to senior
Jump to Career Path →Start learning — check the Learning Path for free courses
Jump to Learning Path →Personality Fit
Based on the Forensic Science Technicians role, here are the RIASEC personality types that tend to thrive in this career. While these alignments are common, individual success depends on motivation, skill development, and finding the right work environment.
Realistic
Hands-on, practical, technical work
Investigative
Research, analysis, problem-solving
Conventional
Organizing, detail-oriented, structured
Not sure if these types match you? Take the full RIASEC assessment (12-15 min) to discover your personality profile and see how it aligns with hundreds of careers.
Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Junior Forensic Science Technician → Practitioner Forensic Science Technician → Senior Practitioner Forensic Science Technician → Lead Forensic Science Technician
Where are you on this career path?
Click a level below to set your current position
Salary Growth
4
Levels
107K
Top Salary
8+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-2 | Entry Level Base: $41,410 - $57,930/year With equity/bonuses: $45,551 - $69,516 Top markets (SF/NYC): $47,621 - $69,516 Execute core tasks using Reading…
Skills used in this career
Click any skill to see how to learn it and what salary boost it gives
Day in Life
Junior vs Senior, daily schedule breakdown
9am, Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
Income Dynamics
Conservative and aggressive scenarios for 10–15 years
Year 1: Entry level $28,987 - $52,137 Year 2-3: Junior level $57,930 - $70,728 Year 4-6: Mid level $70,728 - $76,684 Year 7-10: Senior level $76,684 - $95,519 Year 10+:…
Is this for me?
15 questions, answer honestly
You find the craft of a Forensic Science Technician genuinely interesting, not just a paycheck You enjoy working with Reading Comprehension and Active Listening You communicate…
💰 Salary Range
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Related Reading
Related Holland / RIASEC Types