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Science technician vs crime scene investigator

The differences between science technicians and crime scene investigators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a science technician, becoming a crime scene investigator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a crime scene investigator has an average salary of $59,391, which is higher than the $35,570 average annual salary of a science technician.

The top three skills for a science technician include lab equipment, safety regulations and research projects. The most important skills for a crime scene investigator are physical evidence, criminal justice, and law enforcement agencies.

Science technician vs crime scene investigator overview

Science TechnicianCrime Scene Investigator
Yearly salary$35,570$59,391
Hourly rate$17.10$28.55
Growth rate9%3%
Number of jobs16,0734,621
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4044
Years of experience42

What does a science technician do?

A science technician is responsible for supporting research studies and product development processes by utilizing a scientific method approach and theories. Science technicians assist in conducting laboratory investigations, ensuring the adequacy of laboratory inventory, and inspecting the efficiency and performance of laboratory tools and equipment to prevent examination delays and potential hazards. They also write findings reports, record results, and develop accurate analysis. A science technician runs quality control procedures, interpret data, and ensuring that the investigations adhere to internal regulations and state requirements.

What does a crime scene investigator do?

A crime scene investigator uses specialized equipment and processes to examine crime scenes physically and visually. Scene investigators may be given authority to gather materials and evidence to solve crimes. They assist the detectives to solve crimes as they sort details and evidence so prosecutors in case building. Their job also includes fingerprint lifting and collecting. Also, they collect and document trace DNA evidence.

Science technician vs crime scene investigator salary

Science technicians and crime scene investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Science TechnicianCrime Scene Investigator
Average salary$35,570$59,391
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $47,000Between $30,000 And $113,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MA-
Highest paying stateMassachusetts-
Best paying companyWayfair-
Best paying industryGovernment-

Differences between science technician and crime scene investigator education

There are a few differences between a science technician and a crime scene investigator in terms of educational background:

Science TechnicianCrime Scene Investigator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorBiologyCriminal Justice
Most common collegeDuke University-

Science technician vs crime scene investigator demographics

Here are the differences between science technicians' and crime scene investigators' demographics:

Science TechnicianCrime Scene Investigator
Average age4044
Gender ratioMale, 61.7% Female, 38.3%Male, 61.0% Female, 39.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.3% Asian, 12.8% White, 52.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 2.8% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%9%

Differences between science technician and crime scene investigator duties and responsibilities

Science technician example responsibilities.

  • Identify owl species by sight and sound prompt using hoot flute and reed caller.
  • Manage daily RCRA inspections and mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment preventive/corrective maintenance procedures.
  • Administer laboratory tests and experiments that include various assays, such as ELISA and specialize technologies.
  • Create GIS layers and a corresponding database of artifacts find at various GPS locations in and around the project site.
  • Perform DNA quantification and real-time PCR analysis for determination of different bacterial species abundance.
  • Operate under GLP, FDA, EPA, and OSHA standards and requirements.
    • Show more

Crime scene investigator example responsibilities.

  • Receive multiple letters of commendation for effective investigations that lead to successful prosecutions.
  • Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
  • Review wire transfers and apply regulatory reporting and banking requirements to ensure compliance with BSA/AML and OFAC rules and regulations.
  • Conduct OFAC alert investigation using global standard policies, procedures and tools aim at meeting internal and external regulatory requirements.
  • Serve as firstresponder for accidents and disasters, applying cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life- saving procedures as needed.

Science technician vs crime scene investigator skills

Common science technician skills
  • Lab Equipment, 13%
  • Safety Regulations, 11%
  • Research Projects, 10%
  • Social Work, 7%
  • Data Entry, 4%
  • Technical Support, 4%
Common crime scene investigator skills
  • Physical Evidence, 17%
  • Criminal Justice, 10%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 8%
  • Laboratory Analysis, 5%
  • Patrol, 5%
  • AML, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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