Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace forensic science technicians?AI replacement risk 49% and how the work is changing

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$72,060
25th–75th pct. $57,830–$94,520
Top pay (est.)
$152,400
Top 10% $117,250
Pay in 5 years
$85,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$101,400est.
$87,200–$117,700
Outlook score
70/100
★★★★☆ Good
AI replacement risk
49%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+13.3%
2,800 openings / yr

Will AI replace Forensic Science Technicians? AI replacement risk

49%
Moderate
Ranked #507 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Forensic Science Technicians

Key skills

Writing
4.1
Active Listening
4.1
Speaking
4.1
Reading Comprehension
4.1
Critical Thinking
4.1
Active Learning
3.9
Judgment and Decision Making
3.6
Complex Problem Solving
3.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics
4.2
Education and Training
4.1
Chemistry
4.0
Law and Government
3.9
Customer and Personal Service
3.7
Public Safety and Security
3.6
Administrative
3.5
English Language
3.5

What the work involves

Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeHandling and Moving ObjectsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsGetting Information

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionNear VisionWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningWritten Expression

Education of workers

Post-secondary certificate
36%
High school diploma
29%
Bachelor's degree
15%
Master's degree
2%

Training before entry

6–12 months
21%
1–2 years
18%
Up to 1 month
17%
None / short demo
17%

Related work experience

1–2 years
38%
None
31%
6–12 months
1%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.