Forensic Science Technicians
Tasks Include:
- Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
- Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
- Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
- Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.
- Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.
- Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
- Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
- Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
- Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
more »
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: +11.6%
National: +11.4%
Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
Job Zone:
Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Median Earnings:
National
$63,740.00
State
$68,310.00
Regional
Forensic Science Technicians
Description
Career Cluster: | Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security |
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Education
Required Level of Education
- Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 36.29%
- High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 29.31%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master. = 17.06%
- Bachelor's Degree = 15.30%
- Master's Degree = 2.05%
Related Work Experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 38.21%
- None = 30.79%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 29.61%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 1.23%
- Over 10 years = 0.16%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 26.23%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 21.31%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 18.18%
- Up to and including 1 month = 17.23%
- None = 17.06%
On-the-Job Training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 42.21%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 34.11%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 16.22%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 7.29%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 0.16%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
- Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
- Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
- Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.
- Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.
- Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
- Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
- Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
- Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
- Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
- Examine and analyze blood stain patterns at crime scenes.
- Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
- Measure and sketch crime scenes to document evidence.
- Examine footwear, tire tracks, or other types of impressions.
Supplemental Tasks Include:
- Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes.
- Identify and quantify drugs or poisons found in biological fluids or tissues, in foods, or at crime scenes.
- Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
- Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information, such as serial numbers.
- Compare objects, such as tools, with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.
- Review forensic analysts' reports for technical merit.
- Determine types of bullets and specific weapons used in shootings.
- Examine physical evidence, such as hair, biological fluids, fiber, wood, or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.
- Analyze DNA data to identify DNA donor profiles.
- Analyze data from computers or other digital media sources for evidence related to criminal activity.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Still cameras (35 millimeter cameras)
- Laboratory mixers (Benchtop mixers)
- Hazardous material protective apparel (Biohazard suits)
- Biological evidence collection kits (Blood collection kits)
- Biological evidence collection kits (Body fluid collection kits)
- Alcohol analysers (Breathalyzers)
- Camera lenses or filters (Colored camera filters)
- Flags or accessories (Crime scene evidence flags)
- Tape measures (Crime scene tape measures)
- Forensic chemical workstations (Cyanoacrylate fuming chambers)
- Biological evidence collection kits (Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA collection kits)
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Digital camcorders or video cameras (Digital video cameras)
- Measuring wheels for distance (Distance measuring wheels)
- Narcotic test kits (Drug testing kits)
- Distance meters (Electronic measuring devices)
- Laboratory balances (Electronic precision balances)
- Footprint lifters (Electrostatic dust print lifters)
- Specimen collectors (Evidence collection containers)
- Laboratory scissors (Evidence scissors)
- Fingerprint applicators or brushes (Fingerprint brushes)
- Fingerprint latent print kits (Fingerprint evidence kits)
- Biometric identification equipment (Fingerprint recognition systems)
- Footwear covers (Footwear protectors)
- Laboratory hotplates (Fuming hot plates)
- Footprint lifters (Gel lifters)
- Specimen collectors (Glass specimen jars)
- Laboratory washing machines (Glassware washers)
- Nitrogen or nitrate or nitrite analyzer (Gunshot residue kits)
- Magnifiers (Hand held magnifiers)
- Handheld thermometer (Handheld digital thermometers)
- Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers (Handheld evidence collection computers)
- Footprint lifters (Impression casting kits)
- Infrared lamps (Infrared light sources)
- Laboratory insect containers (Insect collection containers)
- Fabric or netting for entomology (Insect swoop nets)
- Magnifiers (Inspection mirrors)
- Benchtop centrifuges (Laboratory benchtop centrifuges)
- Notebook computers (Laptop computers)
- Still cameras (Large format cameras)
- Lasers (Laser trajectory kits)
- Ultraviolet UV lamps (Long-wave ultraviolet UV lamps)
- Floor grade forceps or hemostats (Medical hemostats)
- Metal detectors
- Microscope slides
- Notebook computers (Mobile data computers)
- Direction finding compasses (Navigational compasses)
- Binocular light compound microscopes (Optical compound microscopes)
- Personal computers
- Identification markers (Photo markers)
- Rulers (Photographic scales)
- Laboratory tools (Plastic evidence tweezers)
- Specimen collectors (Plastic specimen jars)
- Laboratory scalpels (Pointed scalpels)
- Minivans or vans (Police vans)
- Gas generators (Portable generators)
- Lasers (Portable lasers)
- Two way radios (Portable two way radios)
- Postmortem fingerprint or impression materials (Postmortem print spoons)
- Protective gloves (Protective latex gloves)
- Medical staff isolation or surgical masks (Protective masks)
- Protractors
- Power saws (Reciprocating saws)
- Laboratory scalpels (Rounded scalpels)
- Safety glasses
- Respiration air supplying self contained breathing apparatus or accessories (Self-contained breathing apparatus)
- Sexual assault determination kits (Sexual assault evidence collection kits)
- Shovels
- Laboratory sifting equipment (Sifting screens)
- Spades
- Spectrophotometers
- Laboratory scissors (Stainless steel scissors)
- Laboratory spatulas (Stainless steel spatulas)
- Laboratory tools (Stainless steel tweezers)
- Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Steam sterilizers)
- Tape measures (Steel measuring tape)
- Temperature cycling chambers or thermal cyclers (Thermocyclers)
- Camera lenses or filters (Ultraviolet UV camera lens filters)
- Ultraviolet UV lamps (Ultraviolet UV lights)
- Utility knives
- Goggles (UV forensic goggles)
Technologies Include:
- Analytical or scientific software
- DNA sequence analysis software
- Laboratory information management system LIMS software
- Charting software
- Microsoft Office Visio
- Data base user interface and query software
- Automated Biometric Identification System ABIS
- Combined DNA Index System CODIS
- DataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScene
- Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
- Microsoft Access
- National Crime Information Center NCIC database
- National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
- Electronic mail software
- IBM Lotus Notes
- Microsoft Outlook
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software
- DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
- Eos Systems PhotoModeler
- Graphics software
- Image enhancement software
- Mideo Systems EZDoc Plus
- Midwest Information Systems PAX-it
- SmartDraw.com SmartDraw Legal
- The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
- Trancite Logic Systems ScenePD
- Visual Statement Vista FX3 CSI
- Internet browser software
- Web browser software
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
- Word processing software
- Corel WordPerfect software
- Microsoft Word
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Additional Resources
For information about a career as a chemical technician, contact:
American Chemical Society
Education Division
Career Publications
1155 16th St. NW.
Washington, DC 20036
http://www.acs.org
For career information and a list of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in forensics sciences, contact:
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
P.O. BOX 669
Colorado Springs, CO 80901
http://www.aafs.org
For information on forestry technicians and lists of schools offering education in forestry, send a self-addressed, stamped business envelope to:
Society of American Foresters
5400 Grosvenor Ln.
Bethesda, MD 20814
http://www.safnet.org
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Knowledge
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
86.75 | Law and Government | Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. |
79.25 | Public Safety and Security | Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. |
68.25 | Education and Training | Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
65.00 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
60.00 | Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
57.75 | Customer and Personal Service | Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
54.50 | Administration and Management | Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. |
53.00 | Chemistry | Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods. |
52.50 | Administrative | Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology. |
50.25 | Biology | Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Skills
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
75.00 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
75.00 | Active Listening | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
75.00 | Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
75.00 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
75.00 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
65.50 | Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
59.50 | Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
56.25 | Science | Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
56.25 | Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
56.25 | Social Perceptiveness | Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
56.25 | Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
53.00 | Coordination | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
50.00 | Learning Strategies | Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. |
50.00 | Service Orientation | Actively looking for ways to help people. |
50.00 | Systems Analysis | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
50.00 | Systems Evaluation | Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system. |
50.00 | Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Abilities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
75.00 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
75.00 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
75.00 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
75.00 | Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
75.00 | Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
75.00 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
75.00 | Flexibility of Closure | The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. |
72.00 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. |
72.00 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
68.75 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
68.75 | Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
68.75 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
68.75 | Far Vision | The ability to see details at a distance. |
68.75 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
59.50 | Visual Color Discrimination | The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness. |
56.25 | Fluency of Ideas | The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). |
56.25 | Perceptual Speed | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. |
53.00 | Speed of Closure | The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns. |
50.00 | Arm-Hand Steadiness | The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. |
50.00 | Visualization | The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. |
50.00 | Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Work Activities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
86.50 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
80.75 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
80.25 | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others | Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
78.75 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
77.00 | Communicating with People Outside the Organization | Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
76.75 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
74.75 | Working with Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
73.75 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
73.75 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
73.25 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
72.75 | Performing for or Working Directly with the Public | Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
72.00 | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
71.75 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
70.00 | Analyzing Data or Information | Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
66.50 | Handling and Moving Objects | Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
64.50 | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work | Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
63.50 | Performing General Physical Activities | Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
60.25 | Performing Administrative Activities | Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
58.75 | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
58.00 | Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People | Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
52.75 | Controlling Machines and Processes | Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
51.00 | Coaching and Developing Others | Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
50.00 | Developing and Building Teams | Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
49.75 | Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information | Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Work Styles
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
98.75 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
93.75 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
90.00 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
71.75 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
71.75 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
71.25 | Self-Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
69.00 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
67.75 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
65.75 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
58.00 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
57.00 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
53.25 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Work Values
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
72.17 | Support | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
55.50 | Recognition | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. |
50.00 | Achievement | Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
50.00 | Independence | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Work Context
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
96.00 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
95.80 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
94.40 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
94.00 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
93.40 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
90.20 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? |
86.60 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
84.20 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
84.20 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
84.00 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
82.20 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
79.00 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
79.00 | Exposed to Contaminants | How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)? |
78.80 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
78.60 | Outdoors, Exposed to Weather | How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions? |
78.40 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
78.00 | In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment | How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)? |
77.80 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
76.20 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
75.60 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
73.80 | Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? |
72.80 | Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures? |
72.60 | Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting | How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions? |
72.60 | Outdoors, Under Cover | How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)? |
69.60 | Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)? |
69.00 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
68.80 | Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable | How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? |
68.80 | Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions? |
68.00 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
65.60 | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
65.00 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
64.00 | Public Speaking | How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job? |
63.40 | Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People | How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements? |
62.80 | Frequency of Conflict Situations | How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? |
62.40 | Spend Time Sitting | How much does this job require sitting? |
62.00 | Exposed to Disease or Infections | How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections? |
60.40 | Spend Time Standing | How much does this job require standing? |
57.00 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
53.40 | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | How much does this job require making repetitive motions? |
52.40 | Deal With Physically Aggressive People | How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals? |
51.60 | Spend Time Walking and Running | How much does this job require walking and running? |
50.40 | Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Examples
- These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Earnings Benefits*
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $39,710.00 | $63,740.00 | $82,160.00 |
Virginia | $42,310.00 | $68,310.00 | $88,550.00 |
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $48,983.01 | $70,349.86 | $86,835.02 |
Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Greater Peninsula | $38,996.37 | $53,714.12 | $60,499.26 |
Hampton Roads | $46,707.80 | $63,005.00 | $76,080.98 |
New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Northern Virginia | $66,040.35 | $83,639.76 | $107,893.46 |
Piedmont Workforce | $62,420.36 | $81,450.73 | $98,674.23 |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
* Earnings Calculations:
Regional Earnings:
Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.
National and State Earnings:
Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Employment Projections
Current | Projected | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|
United States | 17,600 | 19,600 | +11.4% |
Virginia | 422 | 471 | +11.6% |
Region | Current* | Projected | % Change |
Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Greater Peninsula | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Hampton Roads | No Data | No Data | No Data |
New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Northern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Piedmont Workforce | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Related Occupations
Related Occupations
The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:- Police Identification and Records Officers
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Coroners
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Intelligence Analysts
- Histology Technicians
- Data Scientists
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
- Private Detectives and Investigators
- Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
- Chemical Technicians
- Penetration Testers
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
- Chemists
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Digital Forensics Analysts
- Histotechnologists
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Microbiologists
Careers in Law Enforcement Services Pathway:
- Animal Control Workers
- Customs and Border Protection Officers
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
- Fish and Game Wardens
- Forensic Science Technicians
- Intelligence Analysts
- Parking Enforcement Workers
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
- Police Identification and Records Officers
- Private Detectives and Investigators
- Transit and Railroad Police
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
View Videos
CareerOneStop Video
View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop
CareerOneStop Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security Videos
Overview
Occupations
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Titles
- Ballistic Expert
- Ballistic Technician
- Ballistician
- Ballistics Expert
- Computer Forensics Technician
- Crime Lab Technician
- Crime Laboratory Analyst
- Crime Scene Analyst
- Crime Scene Examiner
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Crime Scene Technician
- Crime Specialist
- Criminalist
- Criminalist Technician
- Criminologist
- Detective
- Detective-Crime Scene Investigations
- Dna Analyst
- DNA Analyst (Deoxyribonucleic Acid Analyst)
- Drug Analysis Unit Forensic Scientist
- Evidence Technician
- Fingerprint Classifier
- Fingerprint Expert
- Fingerprint Technician
- Firearms Examiner
- Forensic Analyst
- Forensic Ballistics Expert
- Forensic Chemist
- Forensic Computer Examiner
- Forensic Document Examiner
- Forensic Engineer
- Forensic Investigator
- Forensic Science Examiner
- Forensic Science Manager
- Forensic Science Technician
- Forensic Scientist
- Forensic Services Technician
- Forensic Specialist
- Forensic Technician
- Forensic Toxicologist
- Handwriting Expert
- Identification Technician
- Keeler Polygraph Operator
- Latent Fingerprint Examiner
- Latent Print Analyst
- Latent Print Examiner
- Lie Detector Operator
- Polygraph Examiner
- Polygraph Operator
- Trace Evidence Technician
- Wildlife Forensic Geneticist
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Forensic Science Technicians
Related Schools
- Averett University
- Bluefield University
- Bridgewater College
- Christopher Newport University
- Dabney S Lancaster Community College
- Danville Community College
- Eastern Mennonite University
- Emory & Henry College
- Ferrum College
- George Mason University
- Hampden-Sydney College
- Hampton University
- Hollins University
- James Madison University
- Liberty University
- Longwood University
- Mary Baldwin University
- Marymount University
- New River Community College
- Norfolk State University
- Northern Virginia Community College
- Old Dominion University
- Radford University
- Randolph College
- Randolph-Macon College
- Richard Bland College
- Roanoke College
- Shenandoah University
- Southern Virginia University
- Sweet Briar College
- Tidewater Community College
- University of Lynchburg
- University of Mary Washington
- University of Richmond
- University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Military Institute
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Virginia State University
- Virginia Union University
- Virginia Wesleyan University
- Washington and Lee University
- William & Mary
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)