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Forensic Lab Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Signature Science LLC

Forensic Technician IV

Austin, TX · On-site

$50K/yr

Perform lab work wearing appropriate PPE, and practice good contamination control techniques ... Incumbent must meet the forensic technician requirements specified by the Texas Forensic Science ...

FirstEnergy Corp.

Laboratory Technician

Akron, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Lab Technician / Advanced Lab Technician - CAET Asset Operations FirstEnergy About the Opportunity ... Track changes to inventory. * Assist in performing Forensic, Apparent Cause and Root Cause analyses ...

FirstEnergy

Laboratory Technician

Akron, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Lab Technician / Advanced Lab Technician - CAET Asset Operations FirstEnergy About the Opportunity ... Track changes to inventory. * Assist in performing Forensic, Apparent Cause and Root Cause analyses ...

Eurofins

Senior Lab Technician

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

... forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an ... Senior Laboratory Technician responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

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How much do forensic lab technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic 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 does a forensic lab technician do?

A Forensic Lab Technician assists forensic scientists by preparing and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes. Their duties include processing samples such as blood, hair, fibers, and other trace materials using specialized laboratory equipment and techniques. They must carefully document their findings and may be called to testify in court about their analyses. Accuracy, attention to detail, and adherence to strict protocols are essential in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic lab technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Lab Technician, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, usually with a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory instruments such as spectrometers, DNA analyzers, and evidence management software, along with certifications like the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC), is highly valuable. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure precise evidence analysis, uphold legal standards, and support the integrity of criminal investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic lab technicians when handling evidence?

Forensic lab technicians often face challenges such as maintaining the integrity and chain of custody for evidence, managing a high volume of samples, and ensuring accuracy under strict deadlines. Proper documentation and meticulous attention to detail are crucial to prevent contamination or mishandling, which could compromise investigations. Additionally, working closely with law enforcement and legal teams requires strong communication skills and adaptability to changing priorities.

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

AspectForensic Lab TechnicianCrime Scene Investigator
CredentialsForensic science degree, certifications in lab proceduresCriminal justice or forensic science degree, law enforcement training
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, analyzing evidenceOn-site at crime scenes, outdoor and indoor environments
Employer & IndustryCrime labs, forensic laboratoriesLaw enforcement agencies, police departments
Primary FocusAnalyzing physical evidence in labCollecting evidence at crime scenes

While both roles are essential in forensic investigations, Forensic Lab Technicians focus on analyzing evidence within labs, whereas Crime Scene Investigators gather evidence at crime scenes. Their skills and work environments differ, but both contribute to solving crimes.

How do you become a forensic lab technician?

To become a forensic lab technician, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level laboratory work is valuable, and some positions may require certification from organizations like the American Board of Criminalistics. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory equipment, and understanding of legal procedures are essential for success in this role.

What is the average pay for a forensic lab technician?

The average salary for a forensic lab technician typically ranges from $45,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Salaries often increase with experience and advanced training in laboratory techniques and forensic analysis.
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Forensic Lab Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Lab Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% 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.

Forensic Technician IV

Signature Science LLC

Austin, TX • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Purpose:
The incumbent is responsible for performing specific portions of testing on forensic casework while complying with client and company requirements. Will work as part of a highly motivated team to process high-quality casework in a timely and efficient manner. Focus is on quality, meeting client deadlines, flexibility to adapt to changing client needs, and customer service.
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The successful applicant will have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and at least one year of laboratory experience with DNA extractions, quantitation, amplification, and capillary electrophoresis or a Master's degree from an accredited institution (with no outside experience required). Degrees must be in the biological or chemical sciences, or in forensic science with a biology focus.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Help train other staff members on serology methods, extraction methods, and internal procedures.
  • Make sound scientific decisions with respect to screening results obtained based on validated methods and standard operating procedures.
  • Help other staff members as needed to complete serology and molecular biology work and respond quickly to changing priorities in casework.
  • Execute molecular biology laboratory protocols associated with screening and molecular biology methods (including extraction, quant, amp, and CE protocols) on assigned casework.
  • Propose solutions as needed to address problems associated with screening or molecular biology work.
  • Utilize a variety of modern scientific equipment (e.g., 7500s, 3500s).
  • Prepare reagent aliquots and conduct QC testing on new lots of reagents and/or kits.
  • Complete assignments within the designated timeframe.
  • Organize assigned activities to maximize efficiency, and alert management when technical or schedule problems arise. Help other staff organize screening and molecular biology activities to maximize efficiency.
  • Perform lab work wearing appropriate PPE, and practice good contamination control techniques.
  • Ensure that chain of custody documentation is complete and accurate.
  • Adhere to quality assurance practices.
  • Prepare screening reports as appropriate (e.g., those associated with negative male screening results or 'stop at quant' results).
  • Perform administrative reviews for with casework.
  • Provide fact witness testimony in a court of law, must be able to travel by air.
  • Assist with routine laboratory decontamination as needed.
  • Assist with inventory tracking and control for laboratory consumables.
  • Respond to inquiries orally and in writing, including those internally and from clients.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Read, write, and communicate fluently in English.
  • Possess sound reasoning skills and regularly show ability to follow detailed standard instructions, with great attention to detail and guidance from company policy manuals and forensic SOPs.
  • Possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Office; specifically, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access; instrument software (e.g, QIAcubes, EZ1s, 7500s, 3500s). Ability to learn then successfully navigate STACS™-CW tracking software.
  • Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to train others on serology and molecular biology methods and maintain appropriate training documentation for the trainees.

Education/Experience: Incumbent must meet the forensic technician requirements specified by the Texas Forensic Science Commission regarding education and experience.Possess at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a technical or scientific discipline plus at least two years of relevant work experience. A MS degree from an accredited institution in a technical or scientific discipline is considered equivalent to the work experience requirement.
Certificates and Licenses: Must be willing and eligible to obtain required State License for Forensic Technician as specified by the Texas Forensic Science Commission.
Clearance: N/A
Supervisory Responsibilities: None.
Working Conditions/ Equipment: Must work in a laboratory environment that requires wearing PPE and standing for extended periods of time. Required to enter data and write reports by typing on a computer. Will have potential contact with hazardous materials, including biological fluids and must be able to lift up to 20 pounds without assistance and 40 pounds with assistance to handle evidence.
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

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