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Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$34.28 - $35.70/hr

SALARY $34.28 - $35.70 JOB SUMMARY Under general supervision, conducts all phases of crime scene investigations which include collecting, analyzing, identifying and preserving all evidence for law ...

... crime scene investigators for sufficient ridge detail Performs latent print comparisons to exact potential identifications to known individuals Fingerprints individuals, for identification ...

Investigative Services Bureau - Non Sworn Opening Date: 03/30/2026 Scope of Work Please note ... Responds to and oversees a variety of complex crime scene calls, including but not limited to ...

POLICE CRIME SCENE SPECIALIST

Surprise, AZ · On-site

$26.42 - $39.63/hr

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Associate's Degree in Crime Scene Investigations, Criminalistics, Forensic or Natural Science or related field, or two years experience as a crime scene specialist, or ...

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Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator information

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$34K

$59.6K

$88.5K

How much do entry level crime scene investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level crime scene investigator in the United States is $59,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $67,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator, you generally need a background in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with evidence collection tools, digital photography, and crime scene documentation software is typically required, and specialized training or certification in crime scene investigation can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you accurately process scenes and collaborate with law enforcement teams. These skills and qualifications are critical for ensuring the integrity and reliability of evidence, which directly impacts criminal investigations and prosecutions.

What does an entry level crime scene investigator do?

An entry level crime scene investigator (CSI) is responsible for assisting in the collection, documentation, and preservation of evidence at crime scenes. They work under the supervision of more experienced investigators, taking photographs, collecting physical evidence, and preparing detailed reports. Entry level CSIs also help maintain the chain of custody for evidence and may be required to testify in court about their findings. Their work is vital in ensuring that investigations are thorough, accurate, and legally sound.

What are some typical challenges an entry level crime scene investigator might face in their first year on the job?

As an entry level crime scene investigator, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to irregular hours, handling emotionally intense scenes, and learning to meticulously document and preserve evidence under pressure. You'll also need to quickly become proficient with specialized equipment and follow strict protocols while working alongside law enforcement and forensic teams. Building confidence in your technical skills and maintaining attention to detail, even during long or overnight shifts, is key to success in this role.

How much does an entry level CSI make?

An entry-level Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) typically earns between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on location, education, and experience. Starting salaries may be lower in some regions, but with experience and certifications, pay can increase significantly.

What is the difference between Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator vs Forensic Technician?

AspectEntry Level Crime Scene InvestigatorForensic Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's; some roles prefer criminal justice or forensic science degreesHigh school diploma; some roles require associate's or bachelor's in forensic science or related fields
Work EnvironmentCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor locations, often in unpredictable conditionsLaboratories, crime labs, or field sites; more controlled environment
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, crime labs, forensic unitsCrime labs, forensic laboratories, law enforcement support units

While both roles support forensic investigations, Entry Level Crime Scene Investigators primarily collect evidence at crime scenes, whereas Forensic Technicians analyze evidence in labs. The roles often overlap in credentials and work environment, but their focus differs—fieldwork versus laboratory analysis.

How do I start a career in crime scene investigation?

To start a career as a crime scene investigator, obtain a relevant degree such as criminal justice, forensic science, or biology, and gain experience through internships or entry-level law enforcement roles. Certification in crime scene processing and proficiency with tools like fingerprint analysis and evidence collection are also valuable for advancing in this field.

How easy is it to get a job as a CSI?

Securing an entry-level Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) position can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in criminal justice or forensic science, along with some experience or training in crime scene processing. Candidates typically need strong attention to detail, knowledge of evidence collection tools, and sometimes certification, which can influence hiring prospects. The availability of positions varies by region and agency size, but entry-level roles are generally accessible to those with the appropriate qualifications and skills.

Can I become a CSI without being a cop?

Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) are typically civilian professionals who analyze crime scenes, collect evidence, and document findings. While some agencies require law enforcement backgrounds, many entry-level CSI positions do not require police officer status and may instead require relevant education, training, or certification in forensic science or criminal justice.

What Does an Entry-Level Crime Scene Investigator Do?

An entry-level crime scene investigator (CSI) identifies and collects evidence at a crime scene. In this role, your job is to document everything in the area of suspected criminal activity by taking pictures, recording measurements, and gathering information that may not be captured by images, such as weather conditions. As an entry-level employee, you undergo on-the-job training and work under the supervision of senior crime scene staff members and investigators. You may shadow veteran investigators for a while, observing how they extract and process evidence at the crime scene and back at the office; it is crucial to preserve evidence properly to ensure it does not become tainted.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Crime Scene Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Crime Scene Investigator jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,636 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Crime Scene Investigator (A9)

City of Annapolis (MD)

Annapolis, MD • On-site

$52K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Summary The Annapolis Police Department (APD) is dedicated to preventing crime and preserving the quality of life for all residents through fair and impartial service. The crime scene investigator plays a critical role in criminal investigations. Where appropriate, this role requires examination of evidence for latent fingerprints, takes photographs, makes diagrams, collects, and preserves physical evidence; attends autopsies, collects additional evidence, and takes inked prints from deceased persons.

Prepares reports for all assignments and examinations performed. Prepares letters of transmittal to various labs and preserves all evidence in its original condition for presentation in court. Responds to all crime scenes promptly when notified.

Work requires a good knowledge of departmental programs; a good knowledge of the different latent fingerprint techniques; the ability to collect and preserve crime scene evidence; the ability to prepare letters and reports, including proper formatting; and the ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions. Work requires the wearing of the proper uniform for the Unit and requires a courteous business-like demeanor when dealing with supervisors, coworkers, and the public. When appropriate apprises ranking members of the Department and supervisors of the facts of cases as they develop.

Investigates homicide, rapes, armed robberies, departmental shootings, physical and sexual abuse, suicides, residential and commercial burglaries, home invasions, recovered stolen automobiles, and all other crime scenes. This is a quasi essential position. Essential Job Functions A1.

Responds to crime scenes or assignments promptly. A2. Examines evidence for latent fingerprints, takes photographs, makes diagrams, collects, and preserves physical evidence.

A3. Gather facts regarding investigations from uniformed officers. A4.

Attends autopsies as needed to recover physical evidence and document injuries, defects, scars, marks, and tattoos from the decedent. Recovers fingerprints from the decedent for identification and elimination purposes. A5.

Uses proper techniques to collect, maintain, and package items of physical evidence for submission to laboratories and court. A6. Apprises ranking members on the scene and section supervisor of the facts of the case as developed.

A7. Exhibits a courteous, businesslike demeanor when dealing with supervisors, coworkers, and the public. A8.

Exhibits sound judgment in all situations. A9. Maintains reports which are complete, clear, and concise with an accurate description of the action taken.

A10. Coordinates the securing of the victim's residence or crime scene to ensure that further investigation is not compromised. A11.

Determines the necessity of access of personnel into crime scenes to ensure that the integrity of the scene is not compromised. A12. Attends court, both Circuit and District, on and off duty, and testifies in criminal cases which he/she has investigated or assisted in the investigation; attends Civil Court as a result of an investigative effort.

A13. If necessary, meet with State's Attorneys for pretrial conferences. Responds to Court in proper attire and with necessary reports and evidence.

B1. If necessary or requested by State's Attorney's Office, meet with State's Attorney assigned to case for pretrial conference. B2.

Responds to court promptly and presents oral testimony clearly, truthfully, and accurately as to the facts of the case being prosecuted. B3. Responds to court in proper attire.

B4. Responds to the court prepared for trial. B5.

Trains new crime scene personnel, both sworn and civilian in the best practice of crime scene investigation. C1. Keeps up to date of new techniques as they pertain to crime scene processing and investigation.

C2. Implements new policy and training as it becomes available to the department. C3.

Instructs department in-service training on policy and procedure related to crime scene processing and investigation. C4. Maintains membership in good standing with professional originations such as the IAI, International Association of Identification/the American Academy of Forensic Science.

C5. Attends training as directed by the department to include in-service and professional development. Qualifications Education and Experience Minimum of bachelor's degree in forensic science, criminal justice, a related science, or similar is required.

Special Qualifications: Possession of a valid driver's license is required. Ten print examination accepted training is preferred. Certified Crime Scene Analyst through the International Association of Identification is preferred.

Bi-lingual in English/Spanish is desired. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of modern identification techniques, including fingerprint classification and photography; Knowledge of approved principles and practices of police work; Knowledge of laws and ordinances governing local police work; Skill using sound judgment, tact and courtesy; Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; Ability to be courteous and firm with the public; Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems; Ability to operate computers for data entry, word processing and/or recordkeeping purposes; Ability to operate highly technical computer applications, such as GIS or CAD; Ability to operate small/light equipment, such as power tools; and Ability to operate medium equipment and machinery, such as vehicles. Employment Conditions PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS The work is medium work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: Balancing ability: sufficient to maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium. Climbing ability: sufficient to ascend or descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms.

Body agility is emphasized. Crawling ability: sufficient to move about on hands and knees or hands and feet. Crouching ability: sufficient to bend the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.

Feeling ability: sufficient to perceive attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips. Dexterity ability: sufficient to pick, pinch, type, or otherwise work, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling. Grasping ability: sufficient to apply pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.

Handling ability: sufficient to pick, hold, or otherwise work, primarily with the whole hand. Hearing ability: sufficient to perceive the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound.

Kneeling ability: sufficient to bend legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees. Lifting ability: sufficient to raise objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.

Mental Acuity: sufficient to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes. Pulling ability: sufficient to use upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion. Pushing ability: sufficient to use upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.

Reaching ability: sufficient to extend hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers. Speaking ability: sufficient to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.

Standing ability: Particularly for sustained periods of time. Stooping ability: sufficient to bend body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.

Visual ability: sufficient to operate a police vehicle both day and night, to observe criminal actions taking place, to observe traffic violations taking place, to read and write reports, correspondence, etc. Walking ability: sufficient to move about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or move from one work site to another. WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires the need to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City of Annapolis Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment against any person seeking employment or employed in the civil service because of any consideration of political or religious affiliation or belief, race, color, sex, age, family status, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.