Post job

Explore jobs

Find specific jobs

Explore careers

Explore professions

Best companies

Explore companies

OverviewJobsSkillsEducationCertificationsDemographicsBest CompaniesJob Outlook

Compare

Part Time jobsEntry Level jobsFull Time jobs

Crime scene investigator vs technician

The differences between crime scene investigators and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a crime scene investigator and a technician. Additionally, a crime scene investigator has an average salary of $59,391, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.

The top three skills for a crime scene investigator include physical evidence, criminal justice and law enforcement agencies. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Crime scene investigator vs technician overview

Crime Scene InvestigatorTechnician
Yearly salary$59,391$38,045
Hourly rate$28.55$18.29
Growth rate3%1%
Number of jobs4,621596,842
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4440
Years of experience22

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 technician do?

Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.

Crime scene investigator vs technician salary

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

Crime Scene InvestigatorTechnician
Average salary$59,391$38,045
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $113,000Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City-San Jose, CA
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-Microsoft
Best paying industry-Telecommunication

Differences between crime scene investigator and technician education

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

Crime Scene InvestigatorTechnician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeBusiness
Most common college--

Crime scene investigator vs technician demographics

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

Crime Scene InvestigatorTechnician
Average age4440
Gender ratioMale, 61.0% Female, 39.0%Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
Race ratioBlack 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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage9%2%

Differences between crime scene investigator and technician 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.

Technician example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Implement and manage UHF radio base stations, repeaters, and command network, effectively linking all regional headquarters.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
  • Manage, troubleshot and repair multiple wireless technologies including fiber optic transmission switches.
  • Install peripherals including printers, fax machines, scanners, and smartphones.
    • Show more

Crime scene investigator vs technician skills

Common crime scene investigator skills
  • Physical Evidence, 17%
  • Criminal Justice, 10%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 8%
  • Laboratory Analysis, 5%
  • Patrol, 5%
  • AML, 4%
Common technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

Crime Scene Investigator vs. similar jobs

Crime Scene Investigator related careers

Crime Scene Investigator related jobs

What similar roles do

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse protective service jobs