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State Crime Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Completes and delivers State Crime Lab request forms as needed. Reviews court documents, pulls and disposes of evidence, and files related documentation. Processes court ordered money forfeitures and ...

Police Officer

Salt Lake City, UT ยท On-site

$33.60 - $48.09/hr

Transports evidence to state crime lab for processing. * Interviews suspects, locates and interviews witnesses and serves arrest warrants on suspects already booked in jail. * Monitors and may ...

The Montana State Crime Lab proudly serves the criminal justice community and the people of Montana. The State Medical Examiner's Office vision statement is: We strive to create a partnership between ...

New

Police Officer-Lateral

WA ยท On-site

$76.67K - $114.98K/yr

Collect criminal evidence; maintain the chain of custody by following the guidelines of the rules of evidence, preserving, and gathering evidence according to Washington State Crime Lab standards.

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State Crime Lab information

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$9

$25

$45

How much do state crime lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for state crime lab 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a State Crime Lab Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a State Crime Lab Analyst, you need a solid background in forensic science, chemistry, or biology, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), analytical instrumentation like GC-MS or DNA sequencers, and sometimes certifications such as the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) are typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication are crucial soft skills for handling evidence and presenting findings. These skills ensure accurate analyses, reliable testimony, and the integrity of criminal investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at a State Crime Lab, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals at a State Crime Lab often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, working under strict deadlines, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of forensic evidence. Additionally, they must stay current with evolving scientific techniques and legal standards. To prepare, candidates should develop strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Regular training and continuing education are also important to maintain competency and adapt to new methodologies.

What is a State Crime Lab?

A State Crime Lab is a government-operated laboratory that analyzes evidence from criminal investigations. These labs employ forensic scientists and technicians who perform tests on physical evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, drugs, firearms, and toxicology samples. Their analyses help law enforcement agencies and the courts solve crimes, identify suspects, and support criminal prosecutions. State Crime Labs often work closely with police departments, attorneys, and other agencies to ensure accurate and timely results.

What is the difference between State Crime Lab vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectState Crime LabForensic Scientist
CredentialsRelevant degrees in forensic science, chemistry, biologySimilar degrees, often with specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, law enforcement collaborationLaboratories, crime scenes, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryState government, law enforcement agenciesGovernment labs, private labs, law enforcement
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in forensic analysisRelated but broader forensic roles

While a State Crime Lab is a facility that employs forensic scientists, the term 'Forensic Scientist' refers to the professionals working within these labs. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, and they operate in comparable environments. The main difference is that the State Crime Lab is the institution, whereas the forensic scientist is the individual performing analysis and investigations.

More about State Crime Lab jobs
What cities are hiring for State Crime Lab jobs? Cities with the most State Crime Lab job openings:
What states have the most State Crime Lab jobs? States with the most job openings for State Crime Lab jobs include:
What job categories do people searching State Crime Lab jobs look for? The top searched job categories for State Crime Lab jobs are:
Infographic showing various State Crime Lab job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 84% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 19% Physical, and 81% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Police Lab Technician

City of Richmond Indiana

Richmond, IN โ€ข On-site

$13/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Dept/Div: Police/N/A FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Salary: $13.00 hr
General Definition of Work
Performs intermediate technical work processing evidence for court appearances, completing required reports and documents, delivering evidence to crime labs, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the close supervision of the Police Captain.
Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Functions
Receives, processes, and stores collected evidence from crime scenes.
Completes and delivers State Crime Lab request forms as needed.
Reviews court documents, pulls and disposes of evidence, and files related documentation.
Processes court ordered money forfeitures and weapon destruction orders.
Manages transfer of evidence for court, officers, and State Crime Lab.
Delivers and retrieves evidence from the State Crime Lab; completes forms related to the transfer of evidence to labs.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of law enforcement methods, practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of the geography of the City and location of important buildings; thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department; thorough knowledge of the rules and regulation concerning the handling and storing of evidence; files and disposes of paperwork associated with evidence; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare clear comprehensive reports; ability to deal courteously, firmly and tactfully with victims, witnesses and the public; ability to process evidence collected during an investigation; ability to handle funds; ability to understand court orders; effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surround hazards and circumstances; ability to perform and exhibit physical agility and endurance; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, law enforcement agencies, legal representatives, victims, witnesses, and the general public.
Education and Experience
High School diploma or GED.
Physical Requirements
This works requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions, frequently requires sitting, reaching with hands and arms and pushing or pulling and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing and stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to extreme cold (non-weather), exposure to extreme heat (non-weather) and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).
Special Requirements
Valid driver's license in the State of Indiana.