Shigoto Zukan
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How to become forensic science technicianseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become forensic science technicians

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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)

Career path and how to earn more as forensic science technicians

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

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.