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Forensic Science Degree Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

... Degree in Criminal Justice, forensic science, medicine/health care, or related field and one (1) year of investigative experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience; SPECIAL ...

Forensic Investigator (Grade 11)

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$24.62 - $30.78/hr

... Degree in Criminal Justice, forensic science, medicine/health care, or related field and one (1) year of investigative experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience; SPECIAL ...

Police Officer (Lateral)

AZ · On-site

$76K - $109K/yr

The degree must be from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminal justice studies, social sciences, business management, leadership, forensic science, psychology, or ...

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Forensic Science Degree information

See Arizona salary details

$33.1K

$48.8K

$73.2K

How much do forensic science degree jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic science degree in Arizona is $48,828.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $51,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic science degree?

A forensic science degree is an academic program that prepares students to apply scientific principles and techniques to solve crimes and support legal investigations. The curriculum typically covers subjects such as biology, chemistry, criminal justice, and specialized forensic methods. Graduates learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret physical evidence from crime scenes. This degree can lead to careers in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, and other forensic settings. It also provides a foundation for further study in forensic specialties or advanced scientific research.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Scientist, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, and criminal justice, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in forensic science or a closely related field. Proficiency with laboratory equipment, forensic analysis software, and evidence handling protocols is essential, and some roles may require professional certifications such as those from the American Board of Criminalistics. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication are standout soft skills in this field. These skills are crucial for maintaining the integrity of evidence, ensuring accurate scientific analysis, and presenting findings clearly in legal contexts.

What types of teams or professionals do forensic science graduates typically work with in their roles?

Forensic science graduates often work closely with law enforcement officers, legal professionals, and specialized laboratory staff. Collaboration is a key part of the job, as forensic scientists provide crucial evidence and expert testimony for criminal investigations and court cases. Teamwork is essential, especially when coordinating evidence collection at crime scenes or interpreting laboratory results with detectives and attorneys. This interdisciplinary environment offers exposure to a variety of cases and professionals, fostering both learning and career growth.

What is the difference between Forensic Science Degree vs Crime Scene Technician?

AspectForensic Science DegreeCrime Scene Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in forensic science, chemistry, biologyHigh school diploma or associate's; specialized training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, courtrooms, research facilitiesCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor locations
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs, research institutionsPolice departments, crime scene units
Common Search & ComparisonEducational requirements, career paths, certificationsJob duties, fieldwork, training needed

While a Forensic Science Degree provides a broad educational foundation for various forensic careers, a Crime Scene Technician focuses on collecting and analyzing evidence at crime scenes. Both roles often collaborate but differ in work environment and qualifications required.

Is forensic science a useful degree?

A forensic science degree provides foundational knowledge in crime scene investigation, evidence analysis, and laboratory techniques, which are essential for careers in forensic laboratories, law enforcement, and criminal justice. The degree can lead to roles such as forensic analyst or crime scene investigator, often requiring additional certifications and practical experience. It is considered a valuable degree for those interested in working within the criminal justice system and forensic fields.

What can you do with a bachelor of forensic science?

A bachelor of forensic science prepares individuals for roles such as forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, or laboratory technician. These positions involve analyzing physical evidence, using tools like microscopes and chemical tests, and often require knowledge of criminal justice and laboratory procedures.

What jobs can a forensic science degree get?

A forensic science degree prepares individuals for roles such as forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, forensic laboratory technician, and forensic analyst. These jobs typically involve analyzing physical evidence, using laboratory tools, and working in crime labs or law enforcement agencies. Certification and knowledge of laboratory procedures are often required for employment in this field.

What jobs can you get in forensic science degree?

A forensic science degree can lead to careers such as forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, forensic analyst, laboratory technician, and forensic toxicologist. These roles typically involve analyzing physical evidence, using laboratory tools, and working in crime labs or law enforcement agencies.

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Forensic Science Degree jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Forensic Science Degree job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Science Degree job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,828 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Forensic Investigator (Grade 11)

Yuma, AZ

$24.62 - $30.78/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Summary This position is advertised from the minimum to the mid-point hourly rate. Salary will be determined based on education and experience at the time of offer. **Applications are sought on behalf of the Sheriff's Office in Yuma County.

Yuma County Human Resources does not review any applications submitted for this position. All applications are forwarded to Sheriff's Office in Yuma County** NATURE OF WORK Under general supervision, performs work of moderate difficulty in conducting forensic operations and investigations within the Medical Examiner's section of the Sheriff's Office; this position has department specific responsibility. Nature of Work (Illustrative Only) Responds to death scenes; investigates the cause and manner of death in cases of unattended natural death, accident, suicide, or homicide; conducts interviews with family members, law enforcement personnel, medical professionals and others regarding circumstances of death; determines what scenes to investigate and what evidence to examine and/or collect; examines and photographs crime scenes; conducts an external examination of body and document findings; collects, submits, retrieves, and documents pathological, toxicological/histological specimens; removes deceased body from the death scene and transports to designated location; documents transfer of body and property; obtains or coordinates positive identification of bodies through visual personal identification affidavit, x-ray, dental records, descriptive evidence, and fingerprint records; files paperwork internally and to the Arizona Office of Vital Records, to include certified death certificates; prepares and maintains records and reports, including unidentified decedent data; collects, inventories, and preserves all evidentiary materials and personal effects of the deceased; maintains logs for cremation death certificates and removals; may assist the Pathologist or Medical Examiner with the evaluation and postmortem examination; maintains sanitary conditions of the facility, equipment and instruments and properly disposes biological and biohazardous materials; performs routine clerical duties, such as, filing, answering phones and working with a variety of office and technical equipment; comply with all HIPAA regulations and related policies and regulations; maintains regular and reliable attendance; performs other duties as assigned Experience and Education Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, forensic science, medicine/health care, or related field and one (1) year of investigative experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: May be required to successfully complete a background check, polygraph examination, and drug test prior to appointment; must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of: Yuma County and Sheriff's Office Policies and Procedures; Federal and state laws pertaining to forensic operations/activities; human anatomy and medical terminology, forensic investigative methods and laws in criminology; law enforcement principles, practices, methods, techniques and equipment; practices and procedures of evidence collection, including specimen and tissue retrieval; geography, roads, and streets of Yuma County. Skills in: Applying forensic principles, and determining cause and manner of death; collecting, processing, and preserving death scene evidence; packaging and organizing property and evidence in an orderly fashion for storage and retrieval; use of autopsy/forensic, safety, and personal protective equipment; safety handling and disposal of biological and biohazardous materials; preparing complete and accurate reports and records; dealing impartially with people of different social economic, and ethnic backgrounds; operating computerized technology and job-related software applications. Ability to: Read, learn, understand, apply and follow rules, regulations, instructions and forensic practices and procedures; exercise initiative and independent judgment in selecting proper field forensic techniques; obtain and analyze information/factors regarding a death and to determine cause/manner of death; plan, organize and prioritize multiple investigations; follow written and verbal instructions; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationship with supervisors, employees, other agencies, and the public, including law enforcement and physicians; perform the essential functions of the job specifications with or without reasonable accommodation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is performed in general office environment, in the field at death scenes, and in a laboratory/morgue setting; work a variety of scheduled shifts, irregular hours, and/or on-call status, as necessary; may work non-standard hours, to include shift work, holidays, and weekends; exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, inclement weather, temperature extremes, body fluids, communicable diseases; hazardous materials/chemical, various evidence, and unpleasant odors; exposure to remote and isolate areas when examining a scene; climb rocks and other uneven terrains to access a scene; walk, stand and sit for long period of time; crawl, kneel, bend, stoop, twist, crouch, and reach to gather evidence during an investigation; move, lift, carry, drag, push and/or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds; prolong periods of attention to detail information; visual and muscular dexterity to operate: a motor vehicle, computer equipment, and two-way radio; utilize two-way radio to hear and respond to: radio communications, voice instructions, and/or commands; operate a motor vehicle and travel to/from various locations. EOE/AA/ADAAA/M/F/V/D DRUG FREE WORKPLACE