Crime scene investigator vs forensic psychologist

The differences between crime scene investigators and forensic psychologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a forensic psychologist has an average salary of $83,065, which is higher than the $59,391 average annual salary of a crime scene investigator.

The top three skills for a crime scene investigator include physical evidence, criminal justice and law enforcement agencies. The most important skills for a forensic psychologist are psychological evaluations, mental illness, and risk assessments.

Crime scene investigator vs forensic psychologist overview

	Crime Scene Investigator	Forensic Psychologist
Yearly salary	$59,391	$83,065
Hourly rate	$28.55	$39.94
Growth rate	3%	6%
Number of jobs	4,621	11,802
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age	44	47
Years of experience	2	-

What does a crime scene investigator do?

A crime scene investigator uses specialized equipment and processes to examine crime scenes physically and visually. Scene investigators may be given authority to gather materials and evidence to solve crimes. They assist the detectives to solve crimes as they sort details and evidence so prosecutors in case building. Their job also includes fingerprint lifting and collecting. Also, they collect and document trace DNA evidence.

What does a forensic psychologist do?

Forensic Psychologists are responsible for evaluating and treating criminal behavior. Their duties include conducting forensic assessments, developing rehabilitation programs, reviewing offender treatments, carrying out research projects, and carrying out forensic statistical analysis. They are responsible for undertaking expert witness testimonies, assisting in policy development, and creating forensic staff training programs. Forensic Psychologists also facilitate crisis negotiation, interpret psychological tests, and help in the supervision of psychology trainees. They use their expertise in helping improve organizational outcomes.

Crime scene investigator vs forensic psychologist salary

Crime scene investigators and forensic psychologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Crime Scene Investigator	Forensic Psychologist
Average salary	$59,391	$83,065
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $113,000	Between $56,000 And $121,000
Highest paying City	-	Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	Wellpath
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between crime scene investigator and forensic psychologist education

There are a few differences between a crime scene investigator and a forensic psychologist in terms of educational background:

	Crime Scene Investigator	Forensic Psychologist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Clinical Psychology
Most common college	-	Northwestern University

Crime scene investigator vs forensic psychologist demographics

Here are the differences between crime scene investigators' and forensic psychologists' demographics:

	Crime Scene Investigator	Forensic Psychologist
Average age	44	47
Gender ratio	Male, 61.0% Female, 39.0%	Male, 36.7% Female, 63.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 2.8% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 4.2% White, 76.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	9%	20%

Differences between crime scene investigator and forensic psychologist duties and responsibilities

Crime scene investigator example responsibilities.

Receive multiple letters of commendation for effective investigations that lead to successful prosecutions.
Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
Review wire transfers and apply regulatory reporting and banking requirements to ensure compliance with BSA/AML and OFAC rules and regulations.
Conduct OFAC alert investigation using global standard policies, procedures and tools aim at meeting internal and external regulatory requirements.
Serve as firstresponder for accidents and disasters, applying cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life- saving procedures as needed.

Forensic psychologist example responsibilities.

Develop cognitive behaviorally-base educational module for post-surgery patients.
Develop cognitive behaviorally-base educational module for post-surgery patients.

Crime scene investigator vs forensic psychologist skills

Common crime scene investigator skills

Physical Evidence, 17%
Criminal Justice, 10%
Law Enforcement Agencies, 8%
Laboratory Analysis, 5%
Patrol, 5%
AML, 4%

Common forensic psychologist skills

Psychological Evaluations, 12%
Mental Illness, 11%
Risk Assessments, 11%
Forensic Evaluations, 10%
Mental Health, 8%
Psychological Tests, 8%

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Crime Scene Investigator vs Forensic Psychologist

Updated January 8, 2025

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