How To Become A Forensic Chemist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a forensic chemist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Betsy Smith

Forensic chemists use the power of chemistry to analyze samples taken from crime scenes. They can help identify substances found at the scene such as drugs or analyze trace evidence such as stray cloth fibers. Their analysis helps law enforcement identify suspects and build cases against perpetrators in court.

Forensic chemists need to know a lot about different processes of chemical analysis, such as gas chromatography and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). They're experts at using lab equipment such as microscopes. However, forensic chemists also need to be proficient at less glamorous aspects of the job such as keeping track of samples, maintaining chain of custody or security of evidence, and filing paperwork.

In order to get hired as a forensic chemist for a law enforcement agency, a person first has to get a bachelor's degree in chemistry or criminal justice. Many go on to earn a master's degree or even a doctorate. They also need practical experience in a lab, for example through internships or previous experience as chemists. It's a long road to becoming a forensic chemist, but worth it--they earn an average annual salary of $45,436 and help catch criminals.

What general advice would you give to a forensic chemist?

Dr. Betsy Smith

Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College

I would advise students just graduating to be flexible and open-minded in their job search. Chemistry is a challenging major, and students who succeed in it have learned how to learn, so they shouldn't assume that pure chemistry is the only thing they can do. One growing field is biomedical research, and chemistry majors are often qualified for jobs in that area. If you have other strengths like writing, there are often jobs that can combine them as a technical writer or work for a science journal. There are jobs out there that might be perfect for you that you haven't heard of until you see an ad for it, so be open to different possibilities.

ScoreForensic ChemistUS Average

Salary

4.4

Avg. Salary $56,597

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.25%

Asian 18.19%

Black or African American 7.90%

Hispanic or Latino 9.40%

Unknown 4.60%

White 59.66%

Gender

female 59.36%

male 40.64%

Age - 40

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40

Stress level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a forensic chemist

Explore forensic chemist education requirements

Most common forensic chemist degrees

Bachelor's

81.9 %

Master's

13.1 %

Associate

2.5 %

Start to develop specific forensic chemist skills

Skills	Percentages
Ms	12.41%
GC	8.78%
Laboratory Equipment	6.36%
FTIR	6.03%
Gas Chromatography	4.67%

Complete relevant forensic chemist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New forensic chemists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a forensic chemist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real forensic chemist resumes.

Research forensic chemist duties and responsibilities

Achieve and maintain ISO 9001-2000 certification by creating and implementing policies and serving as management representative.
Input data results using a LIMS information system.
Analyze controlled substances by GC/MS and FTIR and arson residues by GC/FID.
Start to implement procedures for ISO 9000quality certification.

Prepare your forensic chemist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your forensic chemist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a forensic chemist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable forensic chemist resume templates

Build a professional forensic chemist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your forensic chemist resume.