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Crime Scene Lab Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Midland

Crime Scene Technician

Midland, TX

$58K/yr

... crime scene calls, including but not limited to homicides, unattended deaths, suicides, fatality ... lab equipment and supplies in a state of readiness Prepares and submits items of evidence to the ...

City of Midland, TX

Crime Scene Technician

Midland, TX · On-site

$58K/yr

Responds to and oversees a variety of complex crime scene calls, including but not limited to ... Processes evidence in the laboratory and maintains lab equipment and supplies in a state of ...

City Of Arlington

$34.28 - $35.70/hr

Complete accurate, clear, and concise crime scene reports and lab processing reports through case management. * Develop latent fingerprints using appropriate sequential physical and/or chemical ...

City of Frisco

Criminalist

Frisco, TX · On-site

$59K - $86K/yr

Reviews all Crime Scene Reports and Lab Reports. Reconstructs major crime scenes using advanced forensic techniques such as blood spatter interpretation, gunshot trajectory etc. Testifies in court as ...

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How much do crime scene lab technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for crime scene lab technician 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.

What is a crime scene lab technician?

Crime Scene Lab Technicians are professionals who analyze physical evidence collected from crime scenes in a laboratory setting. They use scientific methods and specialized equipment to examine items such as fingerprints, DNA, fibers, and other trace materials. Their work helps law enforcement agencies solve crimes by providing objective, scientifically-based findings that can be used in investigations and court cases. These technicians must be detail-oriented, follow strict protocols, and often work as part of a larger forensic science team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a crime scene lab technician?

To thrive as a Crime Scene Lab Technician, you need a solid background in forensic science, chemistry, or biology, often requiring a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, evidence-handling protocols, and specialized software for forensic analysis is essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong organizational skills help ensure accuracy and integrity in evidence processing. These competencies are vital to maintaining the chain of custody, producing reliable results, and supporting criminal investigations with credible scientific evidence.

What is the difference between Crime Scene Lab Technician vs Crime Scene Investigator?

AspectCrime Scene Lab TechnicianCrime Scene Investigator
Required CredentialsForensic science degree, certification in crime scene processingForensic science degree, law enforcement training, certification in crime scene investigation
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, processing evidenceOn-site at crime scenes, evidence collection and analysis
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsLaw enforcement agencies, crime scene units
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding lab roles, evidence processingInvestigating crimes, scene analysis

While both roles are essential in forensic investigations, Crime Scene Lab Technicians focus on analyzing evidence in labs, whereas Crime Scene Investigators are involved in on-site evidence collection and scene analysis. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in work environment and specific responsibilities.

What are some typical challenges a crime scene lab technician might face when processing evidence?

Crime Scene Lab Technicians often encounter challenges such as working with degraded or contaminated samples, managing a large volume of evidence from multiple cases, and maintaining strict chain-of-custody protocols. The role requires meticulous attention to detail to avoid cross-contamination and ensure the admissibility of evidence in court. Additionally, technicians may need to adapt to evolving forensic technologies and collaborate closely with law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, and legal professionals to interpret and communicate findings accurately.
More about Crime Scene Lab Technician jobs
What cities are hiring for Crime Scene Lab Technician jobs? Cities with the most Crime Scene Lab Technician job openings:
What states have the most Crime Scene Lab Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Crime Scene Lab Technician jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Crime Scene Lab Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Crime Scene Lab Technician jobs are:
Crime Scene Lab Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crime Scene Lab Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

CRIME SCENE TECHNICIAN

City of Amarillo Texas

Amarillo, TX • On-site

$21.67/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

City Of Amarillo rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

448th of 842 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

STARTING PAY: $21.67 per hour
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for photographing and processing crime scenes for evidence as well as performing the required daily tasks in the Crime Scene Investigation Unit as assigned by the CSIU Supervisor. Will be required to successfully complete a structured training plan.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
Under supervision and in accordance with procedures: photographs and searches crime scenes for evidence; collects evidence, trains officers and Crime Scene Technicians in identification work; examines evidence; uses a wide array of chemical and powder processes to develop latent prints on all types of evidence; operates AFIS and SPEX system; testifies in court; attends autopsies, packages evidence, prepare lab reports and submits evidence to lab; responds on a 24 hour basis to calls requiring CSIU assistance; available as needed to work after normal duty hours, weekends, and holidays.
DUTIES - EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Photograph crime scenes; process crime scenes for fingerprints; search and collect evidence from crime scenes; book evidence; diagram crime scenes; prepare reports; maintain equipment; teach identification techniques to field officers and other Crime Scene Technicians; operates SPEX and AFIS system; process suspects for hair, fingerprints, and other evidence; testify in court; will attend autopsies out of town; respond to callouts on 24-hour basis; other duties as assigned by supervisors. Will be required to attend training, some out of town, to get basic CSI courses completed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma, 60 college credit hours, 1year full-time CSI experience or 2 years experience in a law enforcement agency in an investigative support role.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, natural science, or a related field from an accredited college or university, 2 years' experience as a CSI in a law enforcement agency; basic photography school; developing latent print school; chemical processing school; crime scene search school; forensic technician certification, IAI certification.
ADA PROFILE
Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is required to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The employee must also well as balance, climb, crawl, crouch, walk, stand, kneel, stoop, sit, hear, feel, finger, grasp, handle, reach, pull, push, speak, see, and talk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The employee works in a dynamic environment that requires being sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs. The City may consider all related education and/or experience in determining an applicant's minimum qualifications and starting salary. The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at (806) 378-4294.
The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.
The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.

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