Salary: Varies—see profile
Employment Outlook: Good
Forensic scientists gather and evaluate evidence from the victims, vehicles, and scenes of crimes. They analyze the data scientifically, and their findings may help to convict or prove the innocence of a person accused of a crime. Forensic scientists are sometimes known as crime lab analysts or criminalists. Almost all of the people in this field work for federal, state, or local law enforcement and investigative agencies.
Police may submit clothing to be tested for the presence of drugs. Forensic scientists may be asked to decide whether spent bullets match firearms, or they may test and examine burned debris, footprints, inks, and papers.
The forensic scientist's report may be requested in civil as well as criminal cases. For instance, in a case where a company is held responsible for the pollution of a stream, the forensic scientist may test water samples for traces of waste from the company's plant.
Education and Training Requirements
High school students interested in a forensic science career should take courses in mathematics, computers, earth sciences, biology, and chemistry. Almost all jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. Several colleges offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in forensic science. A bachelor's degree with a major in forensic, natural, or physical science from an accredited college prepares job seekers for work in a crime laboratory. However, most employers prefer applicants with a master's or doctoral degree. Employers often pay tuition for courses that forensic scientists take to improve their job skills.
Most crime laboratories offer initial on-the-job training. Some trainees who have served as police officers enter the forensic science field and continue to take college courses while they work. Computer skills are increasingly important as databases are used for retrieval of information on drugs and other substances.
Getting the Job
Visiting a crime laboratory and talking to employees may be an interesting and helpful introduction to this career. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), a major employer, can send you an application. College placement offices and state employment offices will also help graduates find jobs in forensic science.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook
Forensic scientists may become managers of the crime laboratories in which they work. They can direct the training of new crime lab analysts. They can also establish their own consulting businesses.
Jobs for forensic science technicians (those with a bachelor's degree only) are expected to increase much faster than average. Employment opportunities for forensic scientists are expected to increase at an average rate. Job growth to some extent is directly related to crime rates and the number of civil action cases brought against companies accused of endangering personal or public health. However, crime rates have decreased in many areas, and the federal and state governments are expected to reduce the number and severity of environmental regulations imposed on companies.
Working Conditions
Although much of their time is spent in clean, well-equipped laboratories, forensic scientists may accompany police into dangerous territory and may observe very unpleasant sights. They may take some risks working with firearms. They may have to examine some weapons that are in poor condition. They may be exposed to fumes and odors from decaying remains. They may also work with poisons. Most forensic scientists work a five-day, forty-hour week. However, situations may arise when they must work beyond their normal hours.
Earnings and Benefits
Earnings vary widely depending on education, specialty, and location of employment. In 2005 entry-level forensic lab technicians earned about $30,000 per year, and the median salary for forensic technicians was slightly more than $40,000 per year. More experienced forensic scientists with bachelor's or master's degrees earned up to $70,000 per year. Medical doctors who work in the field of forensics, such as pathologists, earned more than $200,000 per year. Benefits include sick leave, medical insurance, and pension plans.
User Comments Add a comment…
about 1 month ago
jimmybell
no. It is nothing like CSI. Salaries go from about 30K to over 200K if you're a medical doctor in forensics. You can get up to about 100K if you work for more than 20 years, and even more if you specialize in something.
about 1 month ago
annette mcgillnetty ((at)) yahoo dot com
ok my mother wants to go back to college and at first she wanted to do forencsic but she didnt think it would work out and i want my mother to make something of herself how do i get her into a college
2 months ago
lauren
hi im a freshman and i want to get into forensics, but i would like to know what the salary is and the requirements are. also my GPA is 4.8 is that good enough to be in forensics or also a doctor?
2 months ago
Joanna && Allison
I plan on being a forensic scientist but how many years do u have to go for it?? is it really like CSI??
2 months ago
risha
what is the salary an hour?
2 months ago
brittnee green g dot brittnee ((at)) yahoo dot com
hi i'm currently taking up forensic science at a school called Stratford Career Institute.But i'm also trying to find a great school that would give me some assistance and close to my area.
2 months ago
sarvashini 209509116 ((at)) ukzn dot ac dot za
i'm currently studying medical sciences: anatomy at the university of kwa-zulu natal. i;m a firstyear student and keen to get into forensics. i am concerned with the availability of job opportunities and would like to know what the possible opportunites are and what the job salaries are like>
2 months ago
Tiffany vickta02 ((at)) uwgb dot edu
I've been taking a look at a few of these comments and I have a few suggestions for all of you in high school. I am a senior in college right now double majoring in cell/molecular biology and health science human biology with a minor in chemistry. I'm planning on applying to forensic science master's programs in early fall. As far as high school goes...I was actually doing business. To be honest high school really doesn't matter. I was so worried about what classes to take and gpa and act ect., but honestly with a little effort it is easy to get into any school. If you want to go into forensic science you must be able to get through calculus, so AP calc in high school would be good. I took it then but failed second semester and never actually took the AP test for college credit. I re-took it as a college freshman and it was a lot easier than my high school class. More important classes are organic chemistry that will really determine if you will be able to hack the science field. O-chem is extremely hard!!! My sister was planning on going to phamacy school but could not hack this class so ended up switching to environmental science. This is true for many college people that I know. Organic chemistry is pretty much the deal breaker!
3 months ago
Reggie reggiedoll ((at)) hotmail dot com
It's NOT like CSI.
3 months ago
cheryl h cherrya dot k dot apinky ((at)) hotmail dot com
Im very interested in forensic science. I want to be one when i grow up. I am in grade 9 right now and i am starting to question about this career with teachers and researching about it on the internet. My teacher says that first you have to study bio chem and then you have to go directly into forensics(She says studying bio chem will give you a better understanding of forensics when you go directly into it)
3 months ago
Maria R csi_baby122 ((at)) yahoo dot com
Hi my name is Maria im a freshmen in high school. I really like the show csi and have always been curious about this sort of thing. I was just woundering how much it would cost to go to school and what are some of the best forensic schools?
6 months ago
Renee reneej1990 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I know Loyala University in Illinois has a forsensic scientist program. im interested in stuff like that but idk about getn close 2 dead bodies like that...lol
6 months ago
Sam sugersweet_candy ((at)) hotmail dot com
A lot of these comments have questions that are answered by simply reading the information above. A link and numbers are also given under "Where to Go for More Information."
6 months ago
shawn wittman shawn dot wittman ((at)) yahoo dot com
my name is shawn wittman and im 16 years old! i really like watching csi on tv and think it might be the right carreer for me! i was wanting to know some good colleges to look into for theis specific feild? any suggestions?? thank you! shawn wittman east central high school tulsa,ok
6 months ago
Jenna Baby_cue ((at)) comcast dot net
how long do you have to go to college if you want to be one?
7 months ago
Voz vozey0713 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I'm not quite sure what I want to do yet but a forensic scientist could be a good carreer for me. What colleges are recommended for a forensic science carreer.
7 months ago
NiCole solo_on_ya ((at)) yahoo dot com
I am 17 years of age and I have planned to become a forensic scientist and are wondering about the benefitially aspect of it, does being a CSI include havind a 401K Plan?
7 months ago
Dakota kazejin93 ((at)) aol dot com
im a high school student i've benn planning to go in to forenic science sicence since i was six what information could you give me on the job
7 months ago
dora gonzalez dora_i_glz ((at)) yahoo dot com
im also in high school and a freshman and were doing a career development project so i need information on job outlook in the future in the field and entry levl to the transition level
7 months ago
Avery occirat ((at)) yahoo dot com
You'll need to take mathematics and science courses. Also, you should look into speech classes and english classes so that you;ll be able to communicate effectively. The salary range varies. Normally you'll begain with about 30,000 and once you're a more experienced forensic you'll be able to earn up to 100,000. Also, the Air Force and Army offers careers in the forensics fields. ATM is a pretty good college to go to if you're seeking a career in forensics. I'm 16 years old! :D
8 months ago
Tonya Davis papasgurl2006 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I am in highschool, freshman to be exact. But, I am and always have been interested in being in the forensic feild. So, what do I need to accomplish, like what courses shall I need to take?
8 months ago
Simran kidspot101 ((at)) gmail dot com
I am 13 years old and I chose to do a project on Forensic Scientists. Ever since I have started watching CSI I have become very much interested. What are the salary ranges for Forensic Scientists? What is the outlook for the job?
8 months ago
Dannielle pdannielle ((at)) rocketmail dot com
I'm only 15 but im very much interested in a forensic field, what kind of courses should i be taking in highschool?
8 months ago
Arielle T. Beesche91 ((at)) msn dot com
I'm doing a project for a class and i need information on all fields of forensics. including typical salaries and the educations required. if you could help before tuesday, that would help me a lot. thank you very much sincerely, Arielle T.
9 months ago
Jocelyn D. jayprincess ((at)) sbcglobal dot net
I am doing a project and i need help. Also I have for longed dreamed of becoming a forensics biologist and investigator. I need to know where some good colleges are in texas. Please help me. Thanks very much, Jocelyn D.
9 months ago
shymika lewis lilwaynesbm ((at)) yahoo dot com
I am a senior and I want to go into the field of forensic science. I would really like information about a college that you feel is good for this career. I am seeking this information soon because i have already waited too late to start college searching. I would like a school that offers both undergraduate and graduate classes for this field. Please help me because i really need this information. thanks, shymika
9 months ago
MARVIONA MARVIONA_POWELL ((at)) YAHOO dot COM
I ENJOY WATCHING CSI ON TELEVISION... IT JUST SEEMS SO EXCITING TO GO OUT AND FIND CLUES THEN RESEARCH AND RUN TESTS... RIGHT NOW I AM STUDYING CAREERS AND FORENSICS SCIENTISTS REALLY INTERESTS ME... SO I HAVE TO RESEARCH HOURLY WAGES, FUNDS, SALARIES, AND DUTIES... SOME DAY I WILL HELP TO STOP CRIMINAL VIOLENCE AND HELP PEOPLE SUCCEED IN LIFE AND LIVE...
9 months ago
erica higgs dot erica ((at)) yahoo dot com
my name is erica and i want to become a entomology scientist and i want to know what colleges would be good 2go 2
10 months ago
brianna bsrf191818 ((at)) aol dot com
i was wondering what the length of this career is. like when should you retire or when do you have to stop working.
10 months ago
rogelio junior_jrdm ((at)) yahoo dot com
i need help im doing a project
10 months ago
Marika deathsaddness ((at)) aim dot com
Im only 15 and i want to major in the forensic field. What types of things could i do in advancement to become a forensic scientist?
about 1 year ago
Mel meltich ((at)) yahoo dot com
I am 42 and want to know if I am to old to start a career in forensic science I have just started taking Criminal Justice in June of 2008 and want some feed back? It is a Bachelor's degree and I graduate when I will be 46.
about 1 year ago
kim brna1 ((at)) yahoo dot com
As far as what classes to take in high school, most of the bachelor's degrees needed to become a forensic scientist involve natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology) and math. Basically take as many science and math classes that you can because each one prepares you for the classes that you will take in college that bring you one step closer to your bachelor's degree. SAT's? Well, mainly their importance lies in that they help you get into college and can also allow you to test out of basic english and math college courses. They can also make you more competitive for scholarships. As of right now, I'm in college but I haven't finished my bachelor's degree yet and so I can't tell you whether or not the job would be really difficult or not. But I would imagine that as long as you know the material the job is going to just be applying the things you learned in school. As far as I know, most forensic science employers require at least a bachelor's degree (4 years) and some will even request a masters (another 2 years) or a doctoral degree(total of 8?). Also, to see what classes are required for a bachelor's degree in say biology or chemistry you can go to any university's website and see which classes are required for that major and also read what is involved in each course in the course descriptions. Hope that helps.
about 1 year ago
Jen ilgjen2002 ((at)) yahoo dot com
i hav the same comment as one of the people. What kind of classes should i take in high school?? does SAT's really matter?? Would this job be hard for a student with about a 85-90 avg or do i have to be really smart?
about 1 year ago
Kortny kannakortny ((at)) yahoo dot com
I am interested in forensic science. I am interested in science period. I need info on the education required to be a forensic scienetist. I am ready to do the wrok, I just need to know how long I have to study before I can do what I and interested in.
about 1 year ago
Student=) hlc22_ ((at)) hotmail dot com
this sight was very helpful im doing a project about science careers at my school and i decided to be a forensic scientist and this was very helpful to find the information i need. Thanks. and it really help me understand what i didnt get at first. =)
about 1 year ago
Lucia Amador betazul2002 ((at)) yahoo dot com
Hi my name is Lucia. I have an associate in science in histology technology. I would like to mayor in forensics, but I need to know if I have to go for the bachelor first and then do the master in forensics.I also need some information about a good university that offers the forensic science course in Miami, florida. Thank you!
about 1 year ago
Stephanie Spencer softballbabe66 ((at)) hotmail dot com
Hello, my name is Stephanie. I am almost 15 and i want to major in forensics. I was hoping to get some more informatoin on what kind of college classes you have to take, what high school classes would help you, and where i could contact someone to answer all my questions. If anyone can give me informatoin please comment or e-mail me softballbabe66@hotmail.com. Thank you!
about 1 year ago
Sian tiggsh21 ((at)) aol dot com
How Easy Is It To Get Into The Job Without University And Learnt Whilst Working?
about 1 year ago
Natasha titans097 ((at)) yahoo dot com
Hi I am 20 years old. I want to know if you didn't go to college yet and you were going this year and you had a job of doing Forensic Scientist would you still get the job or not, or can you stay and learn more about it with the people working?
about 1 year ago
ambar barrios cmigliacio ((at)) valverd dot edu
i am doing a report on Forensic Scientiet I have some interviwe questions I would like to ask.IF YOU ARE A foerensic Scientist please respond. 1.how did you get your current job position? 2.Doyou enjoy your job? 3.Doyoulike your coworkers? 4.please describe a day in your life. 5.would you recommand this line of work for me? 6.what is the one thing u wish somebody told you prior to getting into this line of work? thank you
about 1 year ago
Zakiya cbizsxy ((at)) yahoo dot cokm
Hi my name is zakiya and im 16 and am curently a junior at jordan high school and this web site helped me on my report for my computer class and for my forensics class.
about 1 year ago
Jordan Liilani_Kehaunani ((at)) hotmail dot com
hi im jordan and im 13 im doin a report on forensic scientists and i need good info so if ne one knows a forensic scientist contact me Liilani_Kehaunani@hotmail.com
about 1 year ago
g oopingo ((at)) aol dot com
im a forensic scientist. wht do u want 2 know?
about 1 year ago
Christi hilfan321 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I am interested in forensic sciences and wonder what the hourly pay is for a forensic scientist and what would the job demand be in the future.
about 1 year ago
Brittany BossyQueen94 ((at)) aol dot com
My name is Brittany and im 13 i want to learn wat would i make if i had a masters degree being a crime lab technincian please someone please let me kno
about 1 year ago
Anita Anita-graham1 ((at)) yahoo dot com
hi when i grow up i want to become 1 but i have a long way to go but i am going to viset a lab this year right i an=m doing a project on a forensic sientest
about 1 year ago
Natalia Rodriguez d1mnd23 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I'm only 18 and i really have a passion to a forensic scientist but i want to start learning more about it and maybe even visiting a lab. I just have no idea how to start so if anyone can help me and give me some information I would really appreciate it.
about 1 year ago
tim timo_sabi ((at)) yahoo dot com
where can i find forensic scientist to discuss this topic?
about 1 year ago
Conor O'Reilly conjon92 ((at)) hotmail dot com
if anyone has information that would be useful for a student intested in this please e-mail me,im doing a program that helps you choose your career so any help would be greatly apreiciated
about 1 year ago
Amanda Jerold jerold_amanda ((at)) yahoo dot com
I think that this website should include medical, vacation, sick leave, travel and relocation.