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Forensic scientist vs criminologist

The differences between forensic scientists and criminologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a forensic scientist, becoming a criminologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a forensic scientist has an average salary of $71,351, which is higher than the $49,638 average annual salary of a criminologist.

Forensic scientist vs criminologist overview

Forensic ScientistCriminologist
Yearly salary$71,351$49,638
Hourly rate$34.30$23.86
Growth rate11%5%
Number of jobs43,335304
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 80%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age3841
Years of experience42

Forensic scientist vs criminologist salary

Forensic scientists and criminologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Forensic ScientistCriminologist
Average salary$71,351$49,638
Salary rangeBetween $45,000 And $112,000Between $24,000 And $100,000
Highest paying CityLincoln, NE-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyAlere-
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between forensic scientist and criminologist education

There are a few differences between a forensic scientist and a criminologist in terms of educational background:

Forensic ScientistCriminologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 80%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common majorBiologyCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldUniversity of Maryland - College Park

Forensic scientist vs criminologist demographics

Here are the differences between forensic scientists' and criminologists' demographics:

Forensic ScientistCriminologist
Average age3841
Gender ratioMale, 43.1% Female, 56.9%Male, 25.0% Female, 75.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 10.5% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 5.9% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage8%11%

Differences between forensic scientist and criminologist duties and responsibilities

Forensic scientist example responsibilities.

  • Perform organic and robotic DNA extraction, real-time PCR, serology testing, data maintenance/analysis/comparison, documentation, and report writing.
  • Prepare STR products for size separation via CE on ABI [].
  • Extract, quantify (RT-PCR), amplify (PCR), and analyze human DNA.
  • Experience with GC/MS, ELISA, FPIA, HPLC/DAD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, GC/FID, GC/NPD, and LC/QQQ.
  • Skil in STR mixture deductions.
  • Maintain, calibrate and clean pipettes.
    • Show more

Criminologist example responsibilities.

  • Work alongside grade-level teachers and lead small math groups for both remedial and advance students.
  • Share knowledge of effective strategies in mathematics instructional delivery.
  • Share knowledge of effective strategies in mathematics instructional delivery.

Forensic scientist vs criminologist skills

Common forensic scientist skills
  • Laboratory Equipment, 11%
  • Physical Evidence, 10%
  • Analytical Procedures, 5%
  • Extraction, 5%
  • Criminal Justice, 5%
  • Test Results, 5%
Common criminologist skills

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    Updated January 8, 2025

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