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Entry Level Forensic Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

County of Delaware

Forensic Investigator

Media, PA

$42K/yr

Summary The Forensic Investigator is an entry-level position within the Office of the Medical Examiner. This position works in a 24-hour environment with rotating shifts that may include weekdays ...

County of Delaware, PA

Forensic Investigator

Media, PA · On-site

$42K/yr

Medical Examiner/Coroner Opening Date: 05/26/2026 Summary The Forensic Investigator is an entry-level position within the Office of the Medical Examiner. This position works in a 24-hour environment ...

MADRID CPWG

Entry Level Engineer

Norcross, GA

... forensic engineering firm specializing in building assessments, investigations, and structural ... About the Role We are seeking an Entry-Level Engineer to join our growing team. This role is ideal ...

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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 Jun 10, 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:
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Entry Level Forensic Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Forensic Investigator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,448 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Forensic Investigator

County of Delaware

Media, PA

$42K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Summary The Forensic Investigator is an entry-level position within the Office of the Medical Examiner. This position works in a 24-hour environment with rotating shifts that may include weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Under the immediate supervision of the Chief of Forensic Investigations, the Forensic Investigator receives training and assists with investigative work related to deaths that fall under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner's Office.

This includes deaths resulting from homicide, suicide, accident, death in police custody, sudden unexplained infant death, and other deaths considered suspicious in nature. Incumbents are expected to develop the knowledge, skills, and judgment necessary to eventually perform forensic investigative duties independently. Essential Duties Determine if deaths fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Conduct telephone and scene investigations, interview witnesses, and obtain information from first responders such as police, fire, and healthcare workers Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology Use digital photography to document death scenes and trauma to the body Use medical terminology to write investigative reports and scene narratives Use a computer to input data into a Case Management System Responsible for locating and notifying next of kin, which includes direct interaction with distraught families Must be able to stand for long periods of time, lift and move bodies approximately 100 pounds or more, and be exposed to unpleasant smells, hazardous chemicals, biological fluids, and extreme weather conditions when conducting scene investigations Must be able to work any shift as necessary in a 24-hour period, including weekends and holidays.

Initially, work hours will include 12 hours, but as staffing increases will be reduced to 8-hour shifts Must submit to a drug test upon hire and random drug testing throughout your employment Qualifications High School Diploma Ability to pass a security background check Associate's degree or higher with major coursework in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Anthropology, Nursing, Mortuary Science, Crime Scene Investigation or Medical Terminology Preferred Qualifications: At least 1 year of work experience or practical internship experience in investigating deaths that fell under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner or Coroner's Office Work experience can be substituted for education requirements on a year-by-year basis Certification from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigations (ABMDI) Bachelor's degree or higher with major coursework in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Anthropology, Nursing, Mortuary Science, Crime Scene Investigation or Medical Terminology Additional Information Physical Demands While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend at the waist, speak, and hear. The employee may occasionally be required to reach or work with arms above shoulder level; kneel, stoop, crouch, squat, crawl, climb stairs, and twist or rotate at the waist while performing assigned duties. The position requires the ability to assist with turning, lifting, moving, or carrying deceased individuals, with assistance as needed based on weight and circumstances.

The employee must be able to lift up to 100 pounds. On rare occasions, the employee may be exposed to unusually high noise levels. Certifications: Must be able to obtain ABMDI registry-level certification within two years of hire.

If already ABMDI certified must maintain certification throughout the entire employment

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