Forensic DNA Analyst

Also called: Forensic Biologist

Extracts and compares DNA from crime-scene evidence to identify suspects or clear the innocent.

A day in the life

Swabs a cigarette butt for DNA, runs it through instruments, and compares the profile with a national database. Testifies in court a few times a year.

Pay over a career

Starting

$50k

Typical

$72k

High

$110k

Estimate.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in biology, chemistry, or forensic science with specific genetics/statistics courses (FBI standards).

Ways in: 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.

Majors to look at: Forensic Science, Biology, Biochemistry.

Outlook

Growing much faster than average (about 13% over 10 years). Follows forensic science technicians.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk for 10 years. Rapid DNA machines and AI mixture software automate steps; analysts who interpret results and testify stay needed.

Start now, in high school

Classes: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Statistics.

• Science Olympiad Forensics
• Mock Trial
• Amgen Biotech Experience lab

Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4092.

More Forensic Science careers

• Forensic Science Technician
• Crime Scene Investigator
• Forensic Pathologist
• Crime Laboratory Director
• Forensic Anthropologist
• Forensic Odontologist
• Forensic Toxicologist
• Forensic Chemist (Drug Analyst)
• Latent Print Examiner
• Firearms & Toolmark Examiner
• Forensic Document Examiner
• Forensic Entomologist
• Wildlife Forensic Scientist
• Bloodstain Pattern Analyst
• Medicolegal Death Investigator
• Autopsy Technician
• Evidence Custodian
• Forensic Photographer
• Forensic Science Professor
• Trace Evidence Examiner
• Forensic Botanist
• Forensic Serologist
• Footwear & Tire Track Examiner
• Forensic Taphonomist

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.