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Salary and Benefits

Forensic Scientist
$58K-$72K / yr. (est.)
$59K
$65,535 / year
$72K
Average base salary
The salary information provided is based on data collected from various reliable sources and may vary depending on individual qualifications and other factors.

About Forensic Scientist

What does a Forensic Scientist do?

As Forensic Scientists, we analyze various samples such as skin, hair, blood, nails, teeth, pieces of clothes collected by colleagues from crime scenes to determine the cause of death or find DNA samples for the crime perpetrator. We use various techniques to properly and accurately define the genome through the use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) while ensuring total compliance with pre-established protocols and standards to avoid any mistakes.

Core tasks:

  • file reports for court proceedings as required
  • provide expert testimony when called upon
  • oversee and coach newly hired staff

Insights

How Many Years of Experience Do Professionals Need Before Becoming Forensic Scientist?
On average, people work 3-5 years in other positions prior to becoming a Forensic Scientist.
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Forensic ScientistMiami, FL - A year ago
Hmm... I suppose it depends on the individual, their qualifications, and the job market. Can't generalize for everyone.
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Forensic ScientistBoston, MA - A year ago
💪 As someone who started as a police officer, worked as a crime scene investigator, and then became a Forensic Scientist, I can attest that having diverse experience helps you excel in this field.
How Long Do Forensic Scientist Employees Typically Stay in Their Roles?
On average, Forensic Scientists works in this position for 5+ years across multiple employers.
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Medical ExaminerChicago, IL - A year ago
Man, I've been in this field for decades and only worked at one place. These Forensic Scientists must be the restless wanderers of science! 😅
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JournalistSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
I need to dig deeper into the reasons behind these scientists changing employers so frequently; maybe there's a story hidden beneath the surface of their lab results. 🕵
What Is the Job Hopper Score for Forensic Scientist Employees?
Moderate job changes in Forensic Scientist, showing some career movement without excessive turnover.
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Laboratory TechnicianHouston, TX - A year ago
🔬 As a lab tech, I'm concerned about the potential turnover. It takes time to train and develop expertise in this field. The stability of the team is crucial for reliable and consistent results.
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Social WorkerMiami, FL - A year ago
Why are we focusing on job changes in forensic science when there are urgent social issues that need attention? Let's prioritize serving those in need rather than our own career trajectories.

Career path

Path to job

Discover a Forensic Scientist's areas of knowledge sorted by their majors.
Explore the list of higher education institutions that a Forensic Scientist typically studied at.
Michigan State University
Penn State University

Path after job

A Forensic Scientist typically moves on to these titles.
100 %
Forensic Chemist
Avg. length of tenure:6 years
Show jobs
Read more

Community

Demographics

What Is the Age and Gender Ratio of Forensic Scientist Employees?
Gender ratio in Forensic Scientist position: 0.445460942997889 Male and 0.554539057002111 Female. Age ratio in Forensic Scientist position: 16-20: 2%, 21-30: 80%, 31-40: 14%, 41-50: 3%, 51-60: 1%, 60+: 0%. Forensic Scientist position is predominantly female (55.5%) with the largest age group being 21-30 years old, followed by 31-40 years old.
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Forensic ScientistSeattle, WA - A year ago
I wonder why older age groups are so underrepresented... 🤔
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Forensic ScientistSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
Can't believe there are more females in this field! 🤯

Workplaces

Who Are the Top Employers for Forensic Scientist?
Top employers of Forensic Scientist position: Illinois State Police, New Jersey State Police, Quest Diagnostics. People who work in Forensic Scientist position most typically go on to work for the Illinois State Police.
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Forensic ScientistMiami, FL - A year ago
Sure, the Illinois and New Jersey State Police might be top employers, but what about other states? What about the opportunities for Forensic Scientists in Florida?
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Forensic ScientistHouston, TX - A year ago
Quest Diagnostics might be one of the best private employers, but don't forget about the government agencies like the FBI that also hire Forensic Scientists.
Illinois State Police
New Jersey State Police
Quest Diagnostics
What Industries Does Forensic Scientist Typically Have Experience In?
Industry Background: The most typical industries of Forensic Scientist: Public Administration, Health Care, Professional / Scientific / Technical, Education, Information Technology. Forensic Scientist employees most likely come from a Public Administration industry background.
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Forensic ScientistHouston, TX - A year ago
Y'all, the amount of TV shows that glorify this job is ridiculous! It's not always as exciting and glamorous as they make it seem. 😒
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Forensic ScientistPhoenix, AZ - A year ago
Well, I think being a Forensic Scientist is incredibly rewarding because you're helping to catch criminals and bring closure to families. 💪

Find your job as Forensic Scientist

Discussion about Forensic Scientist

Want to know more about Forensic Scientist position?
Share your thoughts and ideas about Forensic Scientist position with others in our community.
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How balanced is the gender diversity among people working as a Forensic Scientist?
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Isabella Holmes4 years ago
This is a well balanced profession, about half of the people are women.
What is the most common age of a Forensic Scientist?
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Benjamin Gardner4 years ago
The average age is 27
How many years of experience do you usually have as a Forensic Scientist?
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Liam Brown4 years ago
On average, people have 4 years of experience when they start working as a Forensic Scientist
Which industries should a Forensic Scientist consider working in?
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Benjamin Gardner4 years ago
Public Administration is typical for a Forensic Scientist to work in.
What kind of degree is needed to work as a Forensic Scientist?
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Liam Brown4 years ago
Most people have a Bachelor of Science degree
Which company are you working for as a Forensic Scientist?
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Isabella Holmes4 years ago
It’s common for a Forensic Scientist to work for Illinois State Police, New Jersey State Police, Quest Diagnostics, Texas Department of Public Safety and Virginia Department of Forensic Science
How many years do people work as a Forensic Scientist before changing their role?
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Liam Brown4 years ago
A Forensic Scientist typically changes positions after more than 5 years.
Is it common for people to switch companies and still work as a Forensic Scientist?
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Isabella Holmes4 years ago
A typical Forensic Scientist might work for one or two companies.
What jobs do people work in before becoming a Forensic Scientist?
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Benjamin Gardner4 years ago
A Forensic Scientist probably worked as Forensic Technician, Laboratory Technician or Criminalist before
What typical professions people working as a Forensic Scientist switch to?
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Isabella Holmes4 years ago
Forensic Chemist are good next steps for a Forensic Scientist
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Disclaimer

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