Forensic scientist vs forensic anthropologist

The differences between forensic scientists and forensic anthropologists 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 forensic anthropologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a forensic scientist has an average salary of $71,351, which is higher than the $58,579 average annual salary of a forensic anthropologist.

Forensic scientist vs forensic anthropologist overview

	Forensic Scientist	Forensic Anthropologist
Yearly salary	$71,351	$58,579
Hourly rate	$34.30	$28.16
Growth rate	11%	6%
Number of jobs	43,335	598
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 80%	Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Average age	38	41
Years of experience	4	2

Forensic scientist vs forensic anthropologist salary

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

	Forensic Scientist	Forensic Anthropologist
Average salary	$71,351	$58,579
Salary range	Between $45,000 And $112,000	Between $32,000 And $104,000
Highest paying City	Lincoln, NE	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Alere	-
Best paying industry	Health Care	-

Differences between forensic scientist and forensic anthropologist education

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

	Forensic Scientist	Forensic Anthropologist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 80%	Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Most common major	Biology	Anthropology
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	Stanford University

Forensic scientist vs forensic anthropologist demographics

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

	Forensic Scientist	Forensic Anthropologist
Average age	38	41
Gender ratio	Male, 43.1% Female, 56.9%	Male, 23.5% Female, 76.5%
Race ratio	Black 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 Percentage	8%	11%

Differences between forensic scientist and forensic anthropologist 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.

Forensic anthropologist example responsibilities.

Perform DNA extraction, quantitation and PCR amplification
Upload to and compare candidate match profiles using the CODIS system.

Forensic scientist vs forensic anthropologist skills

Common forensic scientist skills

Laboratory Equipment, 11%
Physical Evidence, 10%
Analytical Procedures, 5%
Extraction, 5%
Criminal Justice, 5%
Test Results, 5%

Common forensic anthropologist skills

Forensic Scientist vs. similar jobs

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Forensic Scientist vs Forensic Anthropologist

Updated January 8, 2025

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