The Average Salary of Forensics

Forensics scientists analyze evidence, such as that found at crime scenes.

Although most forensics careers center on the sciences, many forensics specialists work in places other than a lab or a crime scene. Forensics experts play a vital role in providing law and order in society. Their average pay depends on their specialty and whether they work in the public or private sector.

Function

Forensics is a branch of criminal justice that involves science, technology and finance. Forensics specialists gather data and evidence that help law enforcement officers and prosecutors solve crimes and prosecute the offenders. This process begins upon discovery of a crime scene, when technicians take photographs and begin to gather evidence at the scene. The evidence goes to a laboratory, where specialists analyze the evidence and report their findings. After law enforcement apprehends a suspect and he is brought to trial, these specialists often give testimony on their findings.

Compensation

The average annual salary of forensics specialists varies according to the specialty. Forensics scientists earn between $39,674 and $69,659 a year. Forensics pathologists earn between $43,227 and $162,056 a year. The annual salary for forensic anthropologists ranges from $40,095 to $70,589. Technical specialists -- such as forensic computer analysts -- make between $48,302 and $77,362. Forensic psychologists earn between $41,548 and $80,367. All salary data is from PayScale and is current as of December 2010.

Forensics Science Specialties

Forensics scientist is a generic term that refers to laboratory specialists who work in areas that do not require sub-specialties. Most larger or more populated areas have teams of forensic specialists that undertake very narrow areas of evidence analysis. Forensic anthropologists, for example, specialize in analyzing bodies, particularly ones in advanced states of decomposition, to determine the original size, shape and gender of a victim. They often work with forensic artists to create a sketch for law enforcement workers to use during the investigation. Forensic biologists analyze DNA, blood and tissue samples. Forensic pathologists perform autopsies to determine the cause of death. Forensic chemists and toxicologists analyze fluids, including bodily fluids.

Forensic Technical Specialties

Technical forensic specialists work outside of a lab. Forensics accountants and computer analysts comb through financial and computer files looking for anomalies and evidence. Forensic engineers reconstruct accidents to determine liability. Forensic economists help determine monetary awards. Firearms experts examine bullets and weapons to determine whether they were used in a crime. Forensic psychologists perform psychological examinations to determine mental competency, provide insight during questioning and contribute suspect profiles that aid in identifying potential suspects.

References

• PayScale: Salary Snapshot for Forensic Scientist Jobs
• PayScale: Salary Snapshot for Forensic Computer Analyst Jobs
• PayScale: Salary Snapshot for Forensic Psychologist Jobs
• PayScale: Salary Snapshot for Forensic Pathologist Jobs
• PayScale: Salary Snapshot for Forensic Anthropologist Jobs
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Careers in Forensics: Analysis, Evidence, and Law

Resources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Forensic Science Technicians