Post job

Forensic toxicologist vs forensic scientist

The differences between forensic toxicologists and forensic scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a forensic toxicologist and a forensic scientist. Additionally, a forensic scientist has an average salary of $71,351, which is higher than the $70,179 average annual salary of a forensic toxicologist.

The top three skills for a forensic toxicologist include ms, laboratory equipment and GC. The most important skills for a forensic scientist are laboratory equipment, physical evidence, and analytical procedures.

Forensic toxicologist vs forensic scientist overview

Forensic ToxicologistForensic Scientist
Yearly salary$70,179$71,351
Hourly rate$33.74$34.30
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs80743,335
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Average age3838
Years of experience44

Forensic toxicologist vs forensic scientist salary

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

Forensic ToxicologistForensic Scientist
Average salary$70,179$71,351
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $123,000Between $45,000 And $112,000
Highest paying City-Lincoln, NE
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Alere
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between forensic toxicologist and forensic scientist education

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

Forensic ToxicologistForensic Scientist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Most common majorChemistryBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillCalifornia State University - Bakersfield

Forensic toxicologist vs forensic scientist demographics

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

Forensic ToxicologistForensic Scientist
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 53.1% Female, 46.9%Male, 43.1% Female, 56.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 10.1% White, 56.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%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%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between forensic toxicologist and forensic scientist duties and responsibilities

Forensic toxicologist example responsibilities.

  • Perform Headspace GC analysis for presence and concentration determination of alcohols and other volatile substances in biological samples.
  • Used laboratory information management system (LIMS) to track casework and release results.
  • SOP's have to be constantly update and follow to detail to prepare the samples accurately before extraction.
  • Prepare samples for analysis through extraction of control substances from biological matrices.
  • Duplicate VHS tapes and various other types of media to DVD.
  • Perform confirmatory semen testing (p30 ELISA and microscopic slide searches for spermatozoa) on casework samples.

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

Forensic toxicologist vs forensic scientist skills

Common forensic toxicologist skills
  • Ms, 23%
  • Laboratory Equipment, 13%
  • GC, 10%
  • LC, 9%
  • Sops, 7%
  • Immunoassay, 7%
Common forensic scientist skills
  • Laboratory Equipment, 11%
  • Physical Evidence, 10%
  • Analytical Procedures, 5%
  • Extraction, 5%
  • Criminal Justice, 5%
  • Test Results, 5%

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs