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Forensic Science Technicians Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IBIS Support Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$31.20K/yr

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to ... Brief IBIS Support Technician Overview: The IBIS Support Technician is an entry-level position ...

Institute of Forensic Sciences Division: Firearms Laboratory Opening Date: 05/07/2026 Closing Date ... Brief IBIS Support Technician Overview: The IBIS Support Technician is an entry-level position ...

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to ... Brief IBIS Support Technician Overview: The IBIS Support Technician is an entry-level position ...

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to ... The Sero/Ops Technician may be called to provide expert testimony in court. This position will ...

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to ... The Sero/Ops Technician may be called to provide expert testimony in court. This position will ...

DNA Lab Technician

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

DNA Laboratory Technician DNA Solutions is one of the nation's leading Forensics and DNA Analysis laboratories utilizing state-of-the-art science and technology to provide insight from DNA samples ...

DNA Laboratory Technician DNA Solutions is one of the nation's leading Forensics and DNA Analysis laboratories utilizing state-of-the-art science and technology to provide insight from DNA samples ...

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Forensic Science Technicians information

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$35.5K

$52.4K

$78.5K

How much do forensic science technicians jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic science technicians in the United States is $52,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $55,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Science Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Science Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, and criminal justice, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, DNA analysis software, and evidence management systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate evidence analysis, reliable reporting, and successful collaboration with law enforcement and legal teams.

What are some common challenges forensic science technicians face when working at crime scenes?

Forensic science technicians often encounter challenging conditions at crime scenes, including exposure to hazardous materials, working in adverse weather or in emotionally charged environments, and adhering to strict protocols to avoid contaminating evidence. Additionally, they must meticulously document and collect evidence while managing time-sensitive tasks and collaborating closely with law enforcement, which can be stressful. Effective communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain composed under pressure are essential for success in this role.

What are forensic science technicians?

Forensic science technicians are professionals who collect, analyze, and interpret physical evidence from crime scenes to help solve criminal cases. They may work in laboratories or directly at crime scenes, using scientific methods to examine evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, weapons, and substances. Their findings are often used by law enforcement and presented in court as part of criminal investigations. Forensic science technicians play a critical role in ensuring evidence is properly documented, preserved, and analyzed to support justice.

What is the difference between Forensic Science Technicians vs Crime Scene Investigators?

AspectForensic Science TechniciansCrime Scene Investigators
CredentialsTypically require a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, or biologyOften have a similar degree; some roles may require additional certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, crime labs, and sometimes crime scenesPrimarily on-site at crime scenes and sometimes in labs
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs, government agenciesLaw enforcement agencies, police departments, crime units
Primary FocusAnalyzing evidence in labs, preparing reportsCollecting evidence at crime scenes, initial documentation

While both roles work closely in criminal investigations, Forensic Science Technicians focus on laboratory analysis and evidence processing, whereas Crime Scene Investigators primarily gather evidence at crime scenes. Both require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate during investigations.

More about Forensic Science Technicians jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Science Technicians jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Science Technicians job openings:
What states have the most Forensic Science Technicians jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Science Technicians jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Science Technicians jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Science Technicians jobs are:
Infographic showing various Forensic Science Technicians job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,397 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Digital Forensic Examiner

$52.73K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Are you interested in a career with the FBI as a Digital Forensic Examiner (DFE)? At the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Digital Forensic Examiners apply their technical skills and experience to preserve and analyze digital evidence related to FBI investigations. As key members of the Computer Analysis and Response Team (CART), Digital Forensic Examiners work with advanced technologies, forensic concepts, software, and tools to solve the Bureau's most challenging cases.Qualifications:GS-9: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of SE equivalent to the GS-7 grade level. SE is defined as follows:
  • Planned and completed assignments while adhering to established instructions, policies, practices, and procedures.
  • Established and maintained working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to exchange information, assisting in research while providing recommendations to methods and techniques to evaluate data, digital evidence, a variety of technologies and/or analytical support.
  • Utilized computer related hardware and software to preserve, extract and analyze data and/or digital evidence.
GS-11: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of SE equivalent to the GS-9 grade level. SE is defined as follows:
  • Conducted routine examinations of data and/or digital evidence, using established policies, procedures and precedent techniques.
  • Utilized computer related hardware and software to identify, collect, examine, preserve, and duplicate data and/or digital evidence.
  • Communicated orally and in writing to prepare and present reports, briefings, of information and findings obtained during investigations.
  • Provided guidance to a variety of internal and external stakeholders in the examination and retrieval of data and/or digital evidence, ensuring proper established practices and protocols are followed.
Education:BASIC REQUIREMENT
All personnel must have at least 24 college level semester hours from an accredited college or university in one or more of the following disciplines:
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Information Science
  • Information Systems Management
  • Mathematics
  • Operations Research
  • Statistics
  • Technology Management
  • Information Systems Analysis
  • Computer/Digital/Electronic Forensics
  • Science/Technology (other than physical sciences)
    • Acceptable:
      • Physics/Astrophysics
      • Chemistry/Organic Chemistry
    • Unacceptable:
      • Astronomy
      • Geology
      • Biology
  • Management Information Systems
  • Information Technology Systems
  • Data Structure and Design
AND
  • A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;
OR
Technical Experience:
Four (4) years of full-time experience working as either a technician or forensic examiner (consistent with FBI digital evidence program definitions) within a digital evidence facility that supports criminal investigations and has an external accreditation or internal quality assurance framework.
Hybrid:
Consideration for admission under the Hybrid path is a combination of education and work experience equal or greater than four (4) years. The Digital Evidence Staffing Education & Development Unit (DESED) will combine the full-time work experience, time given for Work Time Experience (WTE) based on certificates/certifications, and time given for academic credit hours to calculate the required four (4) years:
  • Full-time experience working as either a technician or forensic examiner (consistent with FBI digital evidence program definitions) within a digital evidence facility that supports criminal investigations, and has an external accreditation or internal quality assurance framework.
  • Technical and computer forensic industry accepted professional certificates/certifications will be reviewed and assign equivalent WTE based on difficulty of the certificate/certification received, DESED will document and maintain a list of accepted and denied certificates/certifications and their assigned WTE.
  • Two (2) weeks per credit hours will be given for any course over 200 level or equivalent in the following disciplines:
    • Computer Science
    • Engineering
    • Information Science
    • Information Systems Management
    • Mathematics
    • Operations Research
    • Statistics
    • Technology Management
    • Information Systems Analysis
    • Computer/Digital/Electronic Forensics
    • Science/Technology (other than physical sciences)
    • Management Information Systems
    • Information Technology Systems
    • Data Structure and Design
Personnel who hold a current FBI Digital Forensic Examiner certification, are up to date with all requirements for a current FBI Digital Forensic Examiner, and have been continuously certified as an FBI Digital Forensic Examiner for more than one (1) year.
All degrees must be from an accredited college or university. Education may be substituted for specialized experience as follows:
GS-9: Applicant must have a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related.
GS-11: Applicant must have a Ph.D. OR equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M., if related.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements provided you can show foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States.
Employment Type: OTHER