1

Forensic Science Trainee Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Forensic Science Trainee information

See Texas salary details

$38.2K

$81.9K

$127.6K

How much do forensic science trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic science trainee in Texas is $81,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $103,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of hands-on training and mentorship can a Forensic Science Trainee expect during their first year?

As a Forensic Science Trainee, you can expect to receive comprehensive hands-on training that includes shadowing experienced forensic scientists, participating in laboratory analysis, and learning to follow strict evidence handling protocols. During your first year, you'll likely rotate through various sections such as DNA, toxicology, or trace evidence, gaining exposure to different forensic techniques. Mentorship is a key part of the role, with senior staff guiding you through casework, quality assurance procedures, and courtroom testimony preparation. This structured approach helps build your technical skills, attention to detail, and understanding of chain-of-custody requirements.

What is the difference between Forensic Science Trainee vs Forensic Laboratory Technician?

AspectForensic Science TraineeForensic Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, or chemistry; training programsAssociate's or bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised environment, often in labs or crime scenesFull-time lab work, analyzing evidence under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs, crime scene unitsCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, forensic facilities

In summary, a Forensic Science Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience, often under supervision. A Forensic Laboratory Technician is a more experienced role responsible for conducting evidence analysis independently. Both roles require relevant degrees, but the trainee position emphasizes training and development.

What does a Forensic Science Trainee do?

A Forensic Science Trainee assists experienced forensic scientists in the collection, analysis, and preservation of physical evidence from crime scenes. They typically work in laboratories or at crime scenes, learning techniques such as fingerprint analysis, DNA testing, and chemical analysis of substances. Trainees gain hands-on experience while following strict protocols to ensure evidence integrity. Over time, they develop the skills necessary to analyze evidence, write reports, and may eventually testify in court as expert witnesses.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Science Trainee, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, evidence handling procedures, and standard analytical software like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is highly valued. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help trainees accurately process evidence and present findings. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the integrity of evidence and supporting the justice system through reliable scientific analysis.
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Science jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Forensic Science jobs in Texas are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Forensic Science Trainee jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Forensic Science Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic Science Trainee job openings in Texas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,871 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Post Graduate Physician Assistant Fellowship

$95K - $129K/yr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Post-Graduate Physician Assistant Fellow to join our team. Under the clinical supervision of an identified psychiatrist and in collaboration with other health professionals in the delivery of services. The Post-Graduate Physician Assistant Fellow will continue to advance their knowledge and skills to focus on Psychiatry and the assessment and management of mental health disorders in the community. Upon completion of this Fellowship, PA trainees will exhibit competency in patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice.
Your role in action:
  • Graduate Fellows will complete 250 didactic and 2000 clinical hours of training.
  • Graduate Fellows will attend didactic training at The Harris Center and University of Texas Health Science Center Houston.
  • Graduate Fellows, under the supervision of the physician, will provide mental health care including assessment, diagnosis, examinations, ordering and conducting treatments and non-pharmacological therapists.
What qualifications you will need:
Education:
  • Graduation or expected graduation from an ARC-PA accredited PA program.
Other Key Qualifications :
  • Certification by NCCPA or eligible to sit for PANCE
  • US Citizenship
  • Texas PA Licensure prior to start of fellowship
  • Following completion of the fellowship, sit for CAQ exam
Training Locations include:
  • CSC adult Mental Health Outpatient Clinics
  • CSC Child/Adolescent Mental Health Outpatient Clinics
  • Psychiatric Emergency Services
  • Crisis Stabilization Unit (inpatient)
  • Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT)
  • Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT)
  • Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team
  • Forensic Services Team
  • Shift/Schedule is determined by location of rotation and can vary to include evenings and weekends.
The typical shift will be Monday through Friday. Could be expected to work evenings or weekends depending on the rotation.
What else you should know:
  • This posting is associated with position #2507-89910.

What we have to offer:
The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching - a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.
Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.
Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.
About us:
The Harris Center is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provides care to over 90,000 people and has an annual budget of over $300 million.
As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The Harris Center provides a full continuum of services at 80 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the largest communities in the nation.
By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.
Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.

What The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom