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Forensic Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Criminalist Level I-IV

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$74K - $158K/yr

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of Principles, methods, materials, standards, practices, equipment, and techniques of forensic science Principles of chemistry, physics, biochemistry ...

Associate's degree in a related technical field such as Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, or Forensic Science * Bachelor's degree in a related technical field ...

Associate's degree in a related technical field such as Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, or Forensic Science * Bachelor's degree in a related technical field ...

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$25.5K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do forensic physics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic physics in the United States is $61,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forensic physics?

A Forensic Physics job involves applying principles of physics to criminal investigations and legal cases. Professionals in this field analyze physical evidence such as ballistics, accident reconstructions, and material properties to determine how events occurred. They work closely with law enforcement, legal teams, and forensic laboratories to provide expert testimony and reports. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of physics, engineering, and forensic science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in forensic physics?

To excel in Forensic Physics, a strong background in physics, mathematics, and physical evidence analysis—usually supported by a relevant degree—is required. Expertise in using laboratory instrumentation, physics simulation software, and familiarity with forensic certification standards are important for accurate evidence processing. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help professionals convey complex findings to law enforcement and legal teams. These competencies ensure reliable analysis, effective collaboration, and the credibility of forensic conclusions presented in court.

What types of cases do forensic physicists typically work on, and how do they contribute to investigations?

Forensic physicists are often involved in cases where physical evidence needs to be analyzed to reconstruct events or determine causes, such as accidents, ballistics investigations, environmental incidents, or material failure analyses. On a daily basis, they may examine evidence like glass fragments, vehicle impact damage, or projectile trajectories, using advanced instrumentation and modeling software to interpret findings. Working closely with other forensic specialists, law enforcement, and legal professionals, they translate complex physical data into clear, actionable insights. This collaborative and investigative approach is crucial for supporting the resolution of both criminal and civil cases.

What does a forensic physics do?

A forensic physicist applies principles of physics to analyze crime scene evidence, such as blood spatter, ballistic trajectories, or accident reconstructions. They often work with specialized tools and may need certifications in forensic science or physics to interpret data accurately. Their work helps establish facts in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
More about forensic physics jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Physics jobs?

The most popular types of Forensic Physics jobs are:

What states have the most Forensic Physics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forensic Physics jobs include:

Infographic showing various Forensic Physics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 80% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Criminalist IB (Forensic Biology)

City of New York

Manhattan, NY

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

622nd of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person.
Our core purpose is to protect public health and serve impartial justice through forensic science and medicine. We exist to provide answers in support of families and communities during times of profound need.
The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve.
- Commitment: Dedicated to the mission at all times
- Accountability: Responsible to each other and the community
- Resilience: Adapt in the face of adversity
- Excellence: Achieve and maintain the highest quality
- Service: Innovate to meet evolving needs
Under the general direction of the Assistant Directors of the Department of Forensic Biology and specifically under the supervision of a Criminalist, level IV, the selected candidate will be responsible for assisting in conducting scientific analyses performed on biological specimens brought to the Forensic Biology Department of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner for the City of New York. Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Assists in the DNA analysis of evidentiary material such as hairs, body fluids, and other biological evidence, using state-of-the-art molecular techniques.
- Performs administrative review on case files for casework.
- Receives comprehensive training and instruction in the various techniques used in the collection, preservation, handling, and receipt of evidentiary materials.
- Attends and participates in staff meetings, conferences, and other training and development activities
- Receives training in the routine preventative maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
- Other duties as assigned.
SPECIAL NOTE
- Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing.
- This position has been identified as essential. During emergency events, essential positions may require 24-hour availability.
WORK AUTHORIZATION:
Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position. Office of Chief Medical Examiner does not provide sponsorship for international employees for visa applications, extensions, or status changes, including STEM/OPT visas. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet all qualifying requirements for this position at the time of application.
***Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted for this position. FINAL APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECCT TO OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET APPROVAL.***
CRIMINALIST - 21849

Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, with specialization in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, molecular genetics, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology, anthropology, ecology or a closely related scientific or engineering field.
2. For Assignment to Assignment Level I - B
In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements For All Assignment Levels" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level I-B individuals must have at least one year of satisfactory full-time experience in criminalistics, forensic science or analytic chemistry, or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience.
3. In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level II, individuals must have one of the following:
1. One year of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B; or 2. One additional year of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of two years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling two years of experience as described above.
4. In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level III, individuals must have one of the following:
1. Two years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B and/or II; or 2. Two additional years of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of three years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling three years of experience as described above.
5. For Assignment to Assignment Level IV
In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level IV, individuals must have one of the following:
1. Three years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B, II, and /or III; or 2. Three additional years of experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of four years of such experience; or
3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling four years of experience, as described above.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.


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