Forensic specialist vs forensic psychologist

The differences between forensic specialists and forensic psychologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a forensic psychologist has an average salary of $83,065, which is higher than the $51,653 average annual salary of a forensic specialist.

The top three skills for a forensic specialist include social work, encase and criminal justice. The most important skills for a forensic psychologist are psychological evaluations, mental illness, and risk assessments.

Forensic specialist vs forensic psychologist overview

	Forensic Specialist	Forensic Psychologist
Yearly salary	$51,653	$83,065
Hourly rate	$24.83	$39.94
Growth rate	11%	6%
Number of jobs	1,338	11,802
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 54%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age	38	47
Years of experience	4	-

What does a forensic specialist do?

Forensic Specialists analyze and evaluate physical evidence using different analysis methods like chemical, instrumental, microscopic, and physical. They are sometimes required to work with blood and other biological fluids, hair, gunshot residue, etc. Forensic Specialist duties depend on their area of expertise. Some specialists spend their days in a lab; others spend their visiting crime scenes searching for evidence. No matter what specialization they're in, their core responsibilities are to collect, document, preserve, test, and report evidence that is then submitted to those in charge of the case.

What does a forensic psychologist do?

Forensic Psychologists are responsible for evaluating and treating criminal behavior. Their duties include conducting forensic assessments, developing rehabilitation programs, reviewing offender treatments, carrying out research projects, and carrying out forensic statistical analysis. They are responsible for undertaking expert witness testimonies, assisting in policy development, and creating forensic staff training programs. Forensic Psychologists also facilitate crisis negotiation, interpret psychological tests, and help in the supervision of psychology trainees. They use their expertise in helping improve organizational outcomes.

Forensic specialist vs forensic psychologist salary

Forensic specialists and forensic psychologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Forensic Specialist	Forensic Psychologist
Average salary	$51,653	$83,065
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $79,000	Between $56,000 And $121,000
Highest paying City	Santa Monica, CA	Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	California
Best paying company	QED Group	Wellpath
Best paying industry	Government	Manufacturing

Differences between forensic specialist and forensic psychologist education

There are a few differences between a forensic specialist and a forensic psychologist in terms of educational background:

	Forensic Specialist	Forensic Psychologist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 54%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Clinical Psychology
Most common college	Stanford University	Northwestern University

Forensic specialist vs forensic psychologist demographics

Here are the differences between forensic specialists' and forensic psychologists' demographics:

	Forensic Specialist	Forensic Psychologist
Average age	38	47
Gender ratio	Male, 49.1% Female, 50.9%	Male, 36.7% Female, 63.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 10.1% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 4.2% White, 76.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	8%	20%

Differences between forensic specialist and forensic psychologist duties and responsibilities

Forensic specialist example responsibilities.

Manage use and maintenance of company vehicle, surveying equip., cameras, and firearms.
Provide individualize intervention for problematic behaviors using TCI techniques such as de-escalation, to prevent and/or manage crisis.
Secure and track any DNA evidence submit for testing.
Examine evidence for the presence of biological material and collect potential DNA samples.
Provide individualize intervention for problematic behaviors using TCI techniques such as de-escalation, to prevent and/or manage crisis.
Assess for risk of suicide, homicide, psychosis and other safety concerns.

Forensic psychologist example responsibilities.

Develop cognitive behaviorally-base educational module for post-surgery patients.
Develop cognitive behaviorally-base educational module for post-surgery patients.

Forensic specialist vs forensic psychologist skills

Common forensic specialist skills

Social Work, 10%
Encase, 8%
Criminal Justice, 8%
Mental Health, 6%
Digital Forensics, 5%
Forensic Interviews, 5%

Common forensic psychologist skills

Psychological Evaluations, 12%
Mental Illness, 11%
Risk Assessments, 11%
Forensic Evaluations, 10%
Mental Health, 8%
Psychological Tests, 8%

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Forensic Specialist vs Forensic Psychologist

Updated January 8, 2025

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