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Entry Level Crime Scene Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Crime Scene information

See Texas salary details

$18.5K

$37.9K

$62K

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level crime scene in Texas is $37,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,340.00 and $41,773.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectEntry Level Crime SceneEntry Level Crime Scene Investigator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsHigh school diploma; basic forensic training or certifications
Work EnvironmentCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor locationsCrime scenes, labs, and field locations
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsLaw enforcement agencies, forensic units
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Crime Scene roles focus on initial scene processing, while Entry Level Crime Scene Investigators typically have more responsibilities in evidence collection and analysis. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, often within law enforcement or forensic labs. The main difference lies in the scope of duties and experience level.

What are typical challenges faced by entry level crime scene investigators, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level crime scene investigators often face challenges such as adapting to irregular hours, handling emotionally charged situations, and ensuring meticulous attention to detail under pressure. Working at scenes that may be graphic or distressing requires strong emotional resilience and professionalism. Building organizational skills and effective communication with law enforcement and forensic teams are key to success. New investigators benefit from thorough training, mentorship, and gradually increasing responsibility to gain confidence and expertise.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level crime scene investigator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator, you need a background in forensic science or criminal justice, strong attention to detail, and basic knowledge of evidence collection procedures. Familiarity with crime scene photography, fingerprint analysis tools, and evidence management systems is typically required, and some roles may prefer completion of a crime scene investigation certification. Critical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure accurate evidence handling, effective teamwork, and the integrity of investigations crucial for legal outcomes.

What is an entry level crime scene job?

Entry level crime scene jobs are positions that involve assisting in the investigation and processing of crime scenes, typically under the supervision of more experienced professionals. These roles often include collecting and preserving evidence, taking photographs, making sketches, and documenting findings. Individuals in these positions usually work for law enforcement agencies and may be titled as Crime Scene Technicians, Evidence Technicians, or Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs). Entry level roles generally require a high school diploma or associate degree, with some employers preferring candidates who have completed coursework in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field. On-the-job training is commonly provided to familiarize new employees with proper procedures and protocols.
What are the most commonly searched types of Crime Scene jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Crime Scene jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Crime Scene jobs in Texas? For Entry Level Crime Scene jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Crime Scene jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Crime Scene jobs in Texas are:
Entry Level Crime Scene jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Crime Scene job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,893 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Civil Service Entrance Exam, 09/10/2026

City of La Porte, Texas

La Porte, TX • On-site

$74K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

PLEASE BE SURE TO READ ALL INFORMATION CAREFULLY.
The City of La Porte will be hosting an Entrance Exam for Police Cadets on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 9:00AM.
Application is required as part of the registration process.
The Physical Agility Test will be conducted the following morning on Friday, September 11, 2026. If you pass the written exam, you must be available the following day for the second portion of the entrance exam.
  • Medical Certificate from your physician will be REQUIRED to take the Physical Agility Test. Please click HERE to download the form.
TCOLE certified officers will go straight to Field Training and are not required to attend the Police Academy after meeting minimum qualifications.
Click HERE for the Entrance Exam Study Guide.
Application Deadline: Thursday, September 3 at 5:00PM
Civil Service Written Entrance Exam: Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 9:00AM. Check-In begins at 8:30AM
Civil Service Physical Fitness Test: Friday, September 11, 2026. Time and location will be announced after the Written Entrance Exam.
POLICE CADET
Category: Full-Time
Open Date: Monday, July 27, 2026
Close Date: 5:00PM, Thursday, September 3, 2026
Hourly Pay: $35.578 | Annual $74,002.
Lateral Transfer Pay: $35.578 - $42.652 (Up to 7 years)
The Police Cadet position is an entry-level non-sworn position with the City of La Porte. The best qualified applicants will be brought on as a City employee and sent to an area police academy to receive their state peace officer certification. Cadet applicants will be required to complete the full hiring process for Patrol Officer.
Police Academy: Applicants who are hired as Police Cadets will attend an area police academy full-time which will focus on training in the topics of criminal law, arrest procedures, defensive tactics, firearms, drive training, physical fitness, first aid, investigations, crime scene procedures, and more.
Minimum Requirements: The following are the minimum requirements to be considered for a position as a Police Cadet.
Primary Eligibility Requirements
  • Must possess at least a High School Diploma or GED
  • Must have an valid Texas Driver License
  • Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment to Patrol Officer
  • Must not have a discharge from military service under "less than honorable conditions"
  • Must be free from drug dependency or illegal drug use
  • Must not have ever been convicted of a felony or ever placed on community supervision, or ever convicted of barratry
  • Must not be on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any offense above a Class C Misdemeanor
  • Must not have been convicted or a misdemeanor above a Class C within the last 10 years
  • Must demonstrate weapons proficiency
  • Must pass an oral interview examination and a background check
  • Must pass a psychological examination, polygraph examination, physical examination, and a drug screen
  • Must pass a physical fitness assessment
Have active duty military experience? Please be sure to bring your Form DD-214 on the test date for additional points. Must have honorable discharge.
POLICE CADET JOB DESCRIPTION:
DEFINITION
Entry-level non-sworn position that attends approved basic peace officer course at a local police academy, and successfully passes TCOLE exam. Upon successfully passing the TCOLE basic peace officer exam the cadet will enter field training and be classified as a Police Officer.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
  • Receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant or higher level police manager.
  • May exercise indirect supervision over sworn and non-sworn personnel.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Essential Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Maintain all physical and academic standards set by the academy.
  • Maintain positive attendance in accordance with the academy attendance policy.
  • Report regularly to department recruiting.
  • The Cadet will report any changes in their status to department recruiting (background, law enforcement interaction, living situation, etc.).
  • Zero conduct and performance deficiencies
  • Positive attitude and active engagement in all aspects of training
  • Attend all mandatory department meetings and events.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment to police officer
  • Must possess at least a GED
  • Must not have a discharge from military service "under less than honorable conditions"
  • Must pass a physical fitness test (15 push-ups in one minute, 20 sit-ups in one minute, 1.5 mile run in 17:15, 300 meter run in 80 seconds)
  • Must pass a psychological examination, polygraph examination, physical examination, and a drug screen
  • Must pass an oral interview examination and a background check
  • Must demonstrate weapons proficiency
  • Must be free from drug dependency or illegal drug use
  • Must not have ever been convicted of a felony or ever placed on community supervision, or ever convicted of barratry
  • Must not be on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any offense above a Class C misdemeanor
  • Must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor above a Class C within the last 10 years

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Standing, sitting, lying down, kneeling, twisting upper body, climbing, crawling, bending, stretching, walking, running, jumping, carrying, listening, using radios, talking, telephone use, use of computers extensively, qualifying with duty weapons, carrying of a duty weapon and other assigned tools, exposure to all outdoor conditions as well as inclement weather to include but not limited to sun, rain, heat or cold, the possibility of exposure to bio-hazard and hazardous materials, exposure to animals (wild & domestic) and has the ability to take physical control of another person as required and needed.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
No prior experience is required. Applicant must possess a High School Diploma or GED.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Possession of a valid Class "C" Texas Drivers License.
*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
*Duties, responsibilities and actions may change at any time with or without notice.
Pay Range: $35.58 per hour

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