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Forensic Scientist
Science & ResearchYou analyze evidence from crime scenes — blood, DNA, fibers, ballistics — and your work helps catch criminals or free innocent people. CSI made this look like 45 minutes of dramatic lab work with perfect lighting; the reality is months of meticulous analysis, court testimony under hostile cross-examination, and backlogs that stretch for years.
Salary Range
Low
$45k
Median
$63k
High
$95k
10-Year Growth
faster than average
US Workers
17K
Education
Bachelor's in Forensic Science or Chemistry (Master's preferred)
Environment
indoor
Tools & Technical Skills
- ▸DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and STR analysis
- ▸Fingerprint analysis (AFIS systems)
- ▸Trace evidence analysis (fibers, glass, paint, gunshot residue)
- ▸Chain of custody documentation
- ▸Toxicology screening (immunoassay, GC-MS)
- ▸Crime scene photography and evidence collection
People & Mindset Skills
- ▸Attention to detail
- ▸Objectivity and impartiality
- ▸Clear courtroom testimony
- ▸Critical thinking
- ▸Composure under scrutiny
What you'll actually do
- 01Analyze DNA, fibers, fingerprints, and trace evidence using methods the TV shows skip over
- 02Process crime scene evidence following chain-of-custody protocols that cannot have gaps
- 03Write detailed lab reports that need to hold up in court under aggressive cross-examination
- 04Testify as an expert witness and explain complex science to a jury in plain English
- 05Manage a case backlog that grows faster than you can work through it
- 06Maintain lab accreditation standards that require documenting everything you do and how you do it
Related Shifts
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