Also called: CSI, Crime Scene Technician
Documents and collects evidence at crime scenes, from fingerprints to blood to shell casings.
CSIs get called out at any hour to photograph scenes, sketch layouts, dust for prints, and carefully bag evidence. A single homicide scene can take 12+ hours. It's slower and more careful than TV makes it look.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in forensic science, chemistry, or biology, plus on-the-job training and certification.
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice.
Growing much faster than average (about 13% over 10 years). BLS forensic science technicians 2024-34 (13%, much faster than average).
Low risk for 10 years. 3D scanners and drones document scenes faster; finding, collecting and bagging evidence stay human.
Classes: Chemistry, Biology, Photography, AP Statistics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4092.
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.