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Crime Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Chickasaw Nation

Criminal Investigator

Ada, OK · On-site

Ensures evidence is sent or taken to crime lab for analysis * Required to utilize the Protocol and Style Manual when preparing written and email correspondences * Performs all other duties as ...

State of Louisiana

Cyber Crime Analyst 1/2

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$6.2K - $11K/mo

About this Job At the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab, our mission is to promote public safety and strengthen communities through fair, professional, and responsive law enforcement services. We are ...

Liberty County BOC

Legal Assistant

Hinesville, GA · On-site

Prepares discovery, including copying case reports, crime lab reports, witness statements, and other documents. * Prepares indictments and accusations. * Attends court and takes notes on court ...

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Crime Lab information

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$9

$25

$45

How much do crime lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for crime lab in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job in a crime lab?

To work in a crime lab, candidates typically need a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Gaining laboratory experience, passing background checks, and obtaining certifications like the American Board of Criminalistics can improve job prospects; familiarity with lab equipment and analytical techniques is also important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Crime Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Crime Lab Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, or forensic science, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, forensic analysis software, and evidence management systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for accurate analysis and reporting. These skills ensure reliable forensic results, support criminal investigations, and maintain the integrity of the justice process.

What are some of the common challenges faced by professionals working in a crime lab environment?

Working in a crime lab often involves handling sensitive evidence under strict protocols, meeting tight deadlines, and ensuring that all analyses are both accurate and legally admissible. Professionals must be detail-oriented and able to manage stress, as errors can have significant legal implications. Collaboration with law enforcement, attorneys, and other scientists is common, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex findings to non-experts.

What is a crime lab?

A crime lab, short for crime laboratory, is a scientific facility where forensic scientists analyze evidence collected from crime scenes. These laboratories use various techniques and technologies to examine physical evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, drugs, firearms, and other trace materials. The results from crime lab analyses help law enforcement agencies solve crimes, identify suspects, and support criminal prosecutions in court. Crime labs can be operated by local, state, or federal agencies, and often play a crucial role in the criminal justice system.

What is the difference between Crime Lab vs Forensic Technician?

AspectCrime LabForensic Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field; certifications may enhance prospectsRequires a degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or related fields; certifications can be beneficial
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, crime scenes, courtroomsCrime scenes, laboratories, law enforcement agencies
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, government labsPolice departments, forensic labs, government agencies

Both Crime Lab professionals and Forensic Technicians work in forensic science, often within law enforcement settings. Crime Lab roles tend to involve more advanced analysis and testing, while Forensic Technicians often assist in collecting evidence and preparing samples. The roles are closely related, with overlapping credentials and work environments, making them common choices for those interested in forensic careers.

Does CSI make good money?

Crime Lab technicians and forensic scientists, often involved in CSI-type work, typically earn salaries that vary by experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions generally start around $40,000 to $60,000 annually, with experienced professionals earning over $80,000 or more. Certifications and specialized skills can also influence earning potential.

Do you need a degree to work in a crime lab?

A degree is typically required to work in a crime lab, with many positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Advanced roles or specialized positions may require a master's degree or higher, along with relevant laboratory skills and certifications.

How much does a crime lab scientist make?

A crime lab scientist typically earns a median annual salary of around $55,000 to $75,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working in larger or federal laboratories.
More about Crime Lab jobs
What cities are hiring for Crime Lab jobs? Cities with the most Crime Lab job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Crime Lab jobs? The most popular types of Crime Lab jobs are:
What states have the most Crime Lab jobs? States with the most job openings for Crime Lab jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Crime Lab jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Crime Lab jobs are:
Crime Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crime Lab job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Adjunct Instructor - Criminal Justice

Adjunct Instructor - Criminal Justice

Louisiana Community and Technical College System

Lake Charles, LA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Adjunct Instructor - Criminal Justice
Job no: 494831
Work type: Faculty - Part Time
Location: Lake Charles, LA
Categories: Academic Affairs
College: SOWELA
Department: Academic Affairs
Sub department: School of Arts & Sciences
Type of Appointment: Unclassified - Adjunct
Salary: {sSalary}
Duties and Responsibilities: Utilizes the approved curriculum. Develops clearly stated course objectives and learning outcomes. Ensures the objectives and content of the courses taught are current.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom and lab environment.
Keeps accurate classroom records.
Supports department assessment initiatives.
Uses and updates the required course management system.
Meets deadlines and evaluates student work in a timely manner including submitting Show/No Show reports, midterm grades, and final grades.
Other duties as required or assigned.
Required Education: Master's degree in criminal justice or a related area.
Applicants must meet credentialing guidelines for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Required Experience: Relevant field experience in criminal investigation/forensics as it relates to crime scene processing.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Required Licenses or Certifications:
Preferred Education:
Preferred Experience: Successful experience in post-secondary teaching is preferred.
Criminal Investigator/Death Investigator Experience
Crime Lab Tech/Analyst Experience
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: {sTAOther9}
Benefits: As a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, SOWELA has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, term life, disability, accident, vision, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), holidays (14 per year, typically includes longer break at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits and Employee Assistance Program. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.
Passing pre-employment criminal background screen is required as a condition of employment. SOWELA is an equal opportunity/equal access employer. SOWELA is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Advertised: 06 Mar 2025 Central Standard Time
Applications close:
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