Trace Evidence Examiner

Also called: Hair & Fiber Examiner, Trace Analyst

Analyzes tiny bits of evidence like fibers, hair, glass, and paint.

A day in the life

Uses a microscope to compare a carpet fiber from a suspect's shoe with one from a crime scene, and analyzes paint chips from a hit-and-run.

Pay over a career

Starting

$50k

Typical

$70k

High

$105k

Estimate based on BLS forensic science technicians.

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 chemistry or forensic science.

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

Majors to look at: Forensic Science, Chemistry.

Outlook

Growing much faster than average. Forensic techs grow much faster than average.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk for 10 years. Automated spectroscopy and AI compare fibers and paint; microscope work and testimony keep examiners needed.

Start now, in high school

Classes: AP Chemistry, Physics, Biology.

• Science Olympiad Forensics
• Foldscope microscope project
• Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO)

Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4092.

More Forensic Science careers

• Forensic Science Technician
• Forensic DNA Analyst
• Crime Scene Investigator
• Forensic Pathologist
• Crime Laboratory Director
• Forensic Anthropologist
• Forensic Odontologist
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• Forensic Chemist (Drug Analyst)
• Latent Print Examiner
• Firearms & Toolmark Examiner
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• Forensic Entomologist
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• Bloodstain Pattern Analyst
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• Autopsy Technician
• Evidence Custodian
• Forensic Photographer
• Forensic Science Professor
• Forensic Botanist
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• 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.