8 of the Best Types of Forensic Science Jobs in 2026

Discover some great types of Forensic Science jobs that are hiring now.

High Paying Forensic Science Jobs

• Forensic Science Trainee

  Salary range: $58,500 - $111,000

  The requirements to get a trainee job vary by industry. In some, such as architecture or accounting, you must graduate from an accredited college program before you can begin work. Other industries, such as retail, manufacturing, or telemarketing, may require only a high school diploma or a GED certificate to begin a training program. No matter what profession you are interested in, you should have strong verbal and written communication and an interest in continuing the career.

• Forensic Science Internship

  Salary range: $58,500 - $111,000

  An Internship is a position within your desired field that pays little or no money but offers you the opportunity to gain real-world experience. This may set you apart for your future job search. Generally, Internships are almost expected by employers on an entry-level candidate’s resume. You are much more of an asset to an employer if you have some work experience.

• Senior Forensic Science

  Salary range: $41,500 - $103,000

  Senior Forensic Science is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Senior Forensic Science jobs pay between $41,500 (25th percentile) and $103,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Senior Forensic Science job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Independent Contractor Forensic Science

  Salary range: $47,500 - $72,000

  You find Independent Contractors in many different industries, so the path to becoming one varies significantly. In general, you must have several years of experience in the field and have a track record of success in your industry. You also must pursue the kind of work that can be done on a consultant or contract basis. You may possess particular skills or expertise that a company needs temporarily, such as an IT Consultant, or provide a service that is required intermittently, like a Freelance Writer. Many Independent Contractors transition to becoming self-employed to have a more flexible schedule and the ability to choose their clients.

• Coordinator Forensic Science

  Salary range: $41,500 - $60,000

  Coordinators plan and schedule events, programs, or projects. In this position, you can work in a variety of industries, so your duties and the necessary qualifications vary by field. There are project coordinators who work in the construction, manufacturing, and development industries, program coordinators, who typically work in education, community outreach, or non-profit organizations, and numerous other positions that require significant coordination experience. For those who work in labor industries, coordination might include developing timetables and budgets for the ordering and delivery of materials or services, while at a school, an instructional coordinator might prepare an afterschool program curriculum.

• Entry Level Forensic Science

  Salary range: $37,500 - $56,500

  The qualifications you need to get an entry-level forensic science job typically include a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field. A forensic science program provides a mix of laboratory classes and more theoretical grounding in the natural sciences and investigative work, such as pathology. If you work directly for a law enforcement department, you are also a sworn officer, so you may need to attend an academy and complete police force training. Important qualities for the job include strong analytical problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.

• Summer Forensic Science

  Salary range: $43,500 - $55,500

  Summer jobs are an integral part of American culture for students in their teens and beyond, but not all summer jobs are created equal. The difference between a great summer and an awful one can be the right job. According to Forbes, some good summer jobs for teens are camp counselor, golf caddy, nanny, food service, retail sales, and, of course, internships.

• 3Rd Shift Forensic Science

  Salary range: $43,500 - $55,500

  The 3rd Shift is a work shift that covers overnight hours, roughly 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., for businesses that are open or require staff 24 hours a day. There are tradeoffs for people who work these hours. Those who work this shift find that they work when others sleep, and vice versa. While this can be hard, perks can include a lack of traffic en route to work and pay incentives. Some people also work the 3rd shift to be able to hold a second job or to be available to care for their children during the day.