What Is the Income of a Crime Scene Investigator?

Crime scene investigators, sometimes called forensic science technicians, collect and analyze the physical evidence found at crime scenes and write reports that explain their collection methods and discoveries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This job often include being subject to the gruesome outcome of violence. Forensic science technicians earn a wide range of salaries.

Salary

The average annual salary of a forensic science technician as of May 2008 was $52,960, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Forensic science technicians working in the federal government earned the most at $90,150 per year, followed by those working in engineering services at $59,040 and in security and investigation services at $58,420.

Degree Requirements

Education

The Bureau recommends a bachelor's degree for future forensic science technicians. Florida State University adjunct faculty Dale Nute writes on a university-linked website that he has "not recommended taking a forensic science major at the undergraduate level for the past 25 years." Instead, it is better to be grounded in the more versatile sciences and to pursue forensic science at the graduate level, he writes. Candidates with "a high school diploma and no college degree typically begin work as trainees under the direct supervision of a more experienced technician, and eventually earn a 2-year degree in science technology," the Bureau reports.

Education

There are about 30 colleges and universities offering a bachelor's degree for forensic science and about 25 schools offering a bachelor's degree in a natural science with an emphasis on forensic science or criminology, according to the Bureau. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences lists 25 graduate schools with accredited programs and a list of undergraduate programs on its website.

Field Experience

While a two-year training program with "hands-on" laboratory experience may be sufficient for some science technician jobs, the Bureau states that graduates with a bachelor's degree and significant internship experience "are preferred by some employers." Also, forensic scientist technicians work closely with law enforcement officers and investigators. Often they are called upon to give their opinion in a court of law. Therefore, the Bureau advises that "knowledge and understanding of legal procedures also can be helpful."

Considerations

Becoming a forensic science technician is not for someone who becomes queasy at the sight of blood or weapons. Body fluids and the aftermath of extreme violence are part of a technician's regular work environment. Those hoping to pursue the forensic science field should consider the potential psychological effects of work on his or her life and balance that with salary compensation.

References

• Forensic Scientist Technician: Job Description
• American Academy of Forensic Sciences: Accredited Programs
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Salary of Forensic Scientist Technician

Resources

• Florida State University: Advice about a Career in Forensic Science