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Forensics Science information

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$35K

$51.7K

$77.5K

How much do forensics science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensics science in California is $51,711.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,900.00 and $54,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can I go into with a forensic science degree?

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 may require certifications or specialized training in areas like DNA analysis or toxicology.

What can a forensic scientist do?

A forensic scientist analyzes physical evidence from crime scenes, such as fingerprints, blood, and DNA, to help solve crimes. They often work in laboratories using specialized tools and techniques, and may present findings in court as expert witnesses.

What are some typical challenges faced by forensic scientists when analyzing evidence?

Forensic scientists often encounter challenges such as dealing with degraded or contaminated evidence, working under tight deadlines, and ensuring that their analyses meet strict legal and scientific standards. They must meticulously document their procedures and findings, as their work is frequently scrutinized in court. Additionally, collaboration with law enforcement, attorneys, and other experts requires clear communication and a strong understanding of both scientific and legal protocols.

What is forensic science?

Forensic science is the application of scientific methods and principles to solve crimes and legal issues. It involves analyzing physical evidence, such as fingerprints, DNA, blood, and other materials, to help law enforcement agencies investigate and prosecute criminal cases. Forensic scientists may specialize in various disciplines, including toxicology, biology, chemistry, and digital forensics. Their work is crucial in uncovering facts, reconstructing events, and providing expert testimony in court. Through their expertise, forensic scientists play a vital role in the criminal justice system.

What are the career options in forensic science?

Forensic science offers career options such as forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, forensic toxicologist, DNA analyst, and forensic odontologist. These roles typically require knowledge of laboratory techniques, evidence analysis, and often certification or specialized training in forensic methods.

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 strong background in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical software, and techniques such as DNA analysis or chromatography is essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication skills are crucial for analyzing evidence and presenting findings. These skills ensure the accurate interpretation of evidence, which is vital for supporting criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

What jobs are there for forensic science?

Forensic science offers roles such as forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, forensic analyst, and forensic technician. These jobs involve analyzing physical evidence, using laboratory tools, and often require knowledge of criminal justice and certification in forensic methods.

What is the difference between Forensics Science vs Crime Scene Investigation?

AspectForensics ScienceCrime Scene Investigation
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or related field; certifications like ASQF or FEPHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training; sometimes certifications in crime scene processing
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, sometimes crime scenes for analysisOn-site at crime scenes, evidence collection, and scene processing
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, private labs, government agenciesLaw enforcement agencies, police departments, crime units
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on laboratory analysis and evidence interpretationFocuses on evidence collection and scene processing

While both careers are integral to criminal investigations, Forensics Science professionals analyze evidence in labs, whereas Crime Scene Investigators focus on collecting evidence at crime scenes. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or educational focus.

What are popular job titles related to Forensics Science jobs in California? For Forensics Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensics Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Forensics Science jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Forensics Science jobs? Cities in California with the most Forensics Science job openings:
Forensics Science jobs near you
Digital Forensic Examiner

Digital Forensic Examiner

Department of Justice

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$52K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

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

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