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What is a forensic scientist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Ronal Serpas Ph.D.

If you have a logical mind, a strong attention for detail, good writing skills, communication skills, sensitivity and objectivity, the ability to deal with confidential data, the ability to work under pressure, the ability to work with deadlines, and patience you may find career satisfaction as a forensic scientist.

Forecsic scientists collecting and analysze evidence from crime scenes with some of concentrating crime scene investigation and others more focused on laboratory analysis. It's a demanding job and you should be ready to travel a distance for a joband be able to work in any weather conditions.

Forecsic scientists need a bachelor's or master's degree in medical sciences, biology, chemistry, criminology, or crime scene technology. Some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree due to the sensitive nature of the job.

Salary depends on experience, the size of the organization, and country. In the United States, a forensic scientist earns between $59,150 and $97,350 annually.

What general advice would you give to a forensic scientist?

Ronal Serpas Ph.D.

Professor of Practice, Loyola University New Orleans

As law enforcement, for example, continues its decade's long search for the best candidates, many agencies (local, state or federal) offer salary incentives for persons with Undergraduate and Graduate degrees. Likewise, many agencies offer promotional incentives for those holding degrees and advanced degrees.
ScoreForensic ScientistUS Average
Salary
5.6

Avg. Salary $71,351

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.9

Growth rate 11%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.07%

Asian 10.50%

Black or African American 10.00%

Hispanic or Latino 15.74%

Unknown 6.04%

White 56.65%

Gender

female 56.86%

male 43.14%

Age - 35
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 - 35
Stress level
7.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.7

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Forensic scientist career paths

Key steps to become a forensic scientist

  1. Explore forensic scientist education requirements

    Most common forensic scientist degrees

    Bachelor's

    80.1 %

    Master's

    13.3 %

    Associate

    3.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific forensic scientist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Laboratory Equipment10.71%
    Physical Evidence9.64%
    Analytical Procedures5.18%
    Extraction5.09%
    Criminal Justice4.81%
  3. Complete relevant forensic scientist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New forensic scientists 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 scientist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real forensic scientist resumes.
  4. Research forensic scientist duties and 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.
  5. Prepare your forensic scientist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your forensic scientist 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 scientist 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 scientist resume templates

    Build a professional forensic scientist 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 scientist resume.
    Forensic Scientist Resume
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    Forensic Scientist Resume
    Forensic Scientist Resume
  6. Apply for forensic scientist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a forensic scientist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first forensic scientist job

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Average forensic scientist salary

The average forensic scientist salary in the United States is $71,351 per year or $34 per hour. Forensic scientist salaries range between $45,000 and $112,000 per year.

Average forensic scientist salary
$71,351 Yearly
$34.30 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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