Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Forensic science technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. They may need on-the-job training to attain competency. PayThe median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $72,060 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,800 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for forensic science technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of forensic science technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about forensic science technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $72,060 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,800 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for forensic science technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of forensic science technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about forensic science technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,800 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for forensic science technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of forensic science technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about forensic science technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence.
Work Environment
Most laboratory forensic science technicians work during standard business hours. Some work extended or nonstandard hours and travel to crime scenes within their jurisdiction.
How to Become a Forensic Science Technician
Forensic science technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. They may need on-the-job training to attain competency.
Pay
The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $72,060 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,800 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for forensic science technicians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of forensic science technicians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about forensic science technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most laboratory forensic science technicians work during standard business hours. Some work extended or nonstandard hours and travel to crime scenes within their jurisdiction.
How to Become a Forensic Science Technician
Forensic science technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. They may need on-the-job training to attain competency.
Pay
The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $72,060 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,800 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for forensic science technicians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of forensic science technicians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about forensic science technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for forensic science technicians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of forensic science technicians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about forensic science technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about forensic science technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.