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Entry Level Forensic Investigator information

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$33K

$77.4K

$133K

How much do entry level forensic investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level forensic investigator in the United States is $77,448.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Forensic Investigator, you generally need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field, along with a strong understanding of scientific principles and investigative procedures. Familiarity with lab equipment, evidence handling protocols, and digital forensic tools such as EnCase or FTK is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure the accurate collection, analysis, and reporting of evidence, which are vital for supporting criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

What types of cases and evidence will I typically handle as an entry level forensic investigator?

As an entry level forensic investigator, you'll often work on a variety of cases, including property crimes, assaults, and sometimes assisting with major crime scenes under supervision. Your main responsibilities will include collecting, preserving, and documenting evidence such as fingerprints, biological samples, trace materials, and digital evidence. You may also be responsible for preparing detailed reports and supporting more senior investigators during on-site investigations and in the lab. Collaboration with law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, and legal professionals is common, providing valuable exposure to multiple aspects of the investigative process.

What does an entry level forensic investigator do?

An entry level forensic investigator assists in collecting, preserving, and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes under the supervision of senior investigators. They typically document crime scenes, process evidence in the lab, and prepare reports to support criminal investigations. Their work helps law enforcement solve cases by providing scientific analysis and ensuring that evidence is handled according to legal protocols. Entry level positions often provide on-the-job training and exposure to different types of forensic techniques. Over time, they may specialize in areas such as DNA analysis, fingerprinting, or digital forensics.

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

AspectEntry Level Forensic InvestigatorForensic Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or related field; some certifications preferredBachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or related field; certification optional
Work EnvironmentCrime scenes, laboratories, courtroomsLaboratories, crime scene processing, evidence handling
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, federal agencies, private labsCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, research facilities

While both roles involve working with forensic evidence, Entry Level Forensic Investigators typically conduct crime scene investigations and gather evidence for legal proceedings, whereas Forensic Technicians focus more on laboratory analysis and processing evidence. The roles often overlap in skills and certifications but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

More about Entry Level Forensic Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Forensic Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Forensic Investigator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Investigator jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Forensic Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Forensic Investigator jobs include:
Entry Level Forensic Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Forensic Investigator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,448 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Entry-Level Forensic Civil/Structural Engineer (EI/EIT) (56980)

ATS FAMILY

Columbia, SC • On-site, Remote

$32 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

U.S. Forensic, LLC, an ATS Family of Companies, assists commercial and industrial clients by performing forensic evaluations, reporting, and expert witness testimony. The firm's capabilities include accident reconstruction; structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering; fire origin and cause; and environmental services. U.S. Forensic tailors its consulting engineering services to meet each client's unique needs, and its experienced forensic engineers and investigators support a wide range of industries. As part of the ATS family, the company also offers expanded capabilities in testing, inspection, and calibration when a broader scope of services is required.
Applied Technical Services, LLC (ATS) is a leading provider of critical testing, inspection, certification, and compliance services. ATS serves clients across a diverse set of large and stable end markets, including manufacturing, power generation, aerospace, medical, and defense. The company was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Marietta, GA. Today, ATS employs nearly 2,100 team members across more than 95 locations throughout the United States.
Together, U.S. Forensic and ATS are driven by a shared purpose to create a safe and reliable world, delivering assurance through precise technical and professional services.
Job Title: Entry- Level Forensic Civil/Structural Engineer (EI/EIT)
Position Type: Full-Time
Preferred Location: This role requires candidates to be based in, or willing to relocate to, one of the following locations: Atlanta, Georgia; Houston or San Antonio, Texas; or Charlotte, North Carolina, or Columbia, South Carolina.
Job Overview: U.S. Forensic is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Engineer to specialize in Forensic engineering. The successful candidate will play a key role in assisting in the investigation of buildings and other structures for failures, construction defects, and other forensic engineering matters. This position requires a strong background in principles of structural engineering and typical construction practices and will require frequent travel to and from site investigations.
This role also offers a clear path to Professional Engineer (PE) licensure through hands-on experience and mentorship.
Responsibilities:
  • Conduct detailed forensic investigations of structural failures and construction defects.
  • Perform site inspections and gather relevant data to support forensic analysis.
  • Utilize engineering principles and practices to analyze and assess structural issues.
  • Prepare clear and concise technical reports outlining findings and conclusions.
  • Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings when required.
  • Stay current with industry trends, codes, and standards related to structural engineering.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
  • Licensed Engineer Intern (EI or EIT) preferred- or can obtain.
  • Ability to travel multiple days of each week (local travel as well as regional air travel)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines.

Benefits:
ATS offers excellent wages and advancement opportunities. ATS full-time employee benefits include: competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, 401k with matching contribution, quarterly bonus opportunity, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid holidays, and a generous paid time off/vacation package.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Applied Technical Services is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law.
Please note, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies. Resumes submitted without an active agreement and prior coordination with our Talent team will not be eligible for placement fees.

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