Field guide

How to become a forensic scientist

A forensic scientist analyzes evidence for criminal investigations, usually in a crime lab run by a police force or state agency. Most people enter with a bachelor's degree in a natural science, and a hard science degree is usually a better start than a general criminal justice one.

Median pay (US)
$72,060
Middle 50%
$57,830 to $94,520
Employed (US)
19,120
Usual entry level
Bachelor's degree

BLS counts this work as "forensic science technicians". That is the official title for most crime lab analysts, not a lower grade of the job.

What the work looks like

The job is careful lab testing in a specialism such as DNA, toxicology or trace evidence, followed by documentation and sometimes testifying in court. It is much slower and more procedural than it looks on television, and case backlogs are common.

The official O*NET job description lists tasks such as:

  • Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
  • Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
  • Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.

The route in

  1. Major in chemistry, biology or a forensic science program accredited by a recognized body.
  2. Pass any background checks, because crime labs screen applicants closely.
  3. Train on the job in a specific section of a lab.
  4. Add professional certification in your specialism as you gain experience.
The catch. Lab posts are limited, and applicants often outnumber them. Many forensic science graduates work elsewhere, so a chemistry or biology degree keeps more doors open.

Pay in the US

The May 2025 national figures for forensic science technicians run from $48,250 at the 10th percentile to $117,250 at the 90th, with a median of $72,060 and a mean of $79,200. BLS projects employment growth of 13% over 2025-35 (much faster than average), with about 2,800 openings a year.

In the UK

The UK has no single national forensic service, so most work is with police forces and private providers. Posts are limited, and a chemistry or biology degree helps as much as a forensic science one.

Is this field right for you?

Tell Erlen where you are now, and it will help you work out the next step.

Ask Erlen

Related fields

Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, SOC 19-4092, May 2025, national, all industries, retrieved 2026-11-03. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, retrieved 2026-11-03. Tasks from the O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA, used under CC BY 4.0.