Also called: Drug Chemist, Seized Drug Analyst
Identifies drugs, explosives, paint, and other chemicals found in crimes.
Forensic chemists test seized pills to see if they contain fentanyl, analyze fire debris for gasoline, and compare paint chips from hit-and-runs. They use high-tech instruments and testify about results.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. A bachelor's in chemistry or forensic science, then several months of in-house crime lab training; ABC certification is optional.
Ways in: 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Chemistry, Forensic Science, Biochemistry.
Growing much faster than average (about 13% over 10 years). BLS forensic science technicians 2024-34 (13%, much faster than average).
Medium risk for 10 years. Instrument libraries and AI auto-identify many drugs; complex samples and court testimony stay human.
Classes: AP Chemistry, Physics, AP Statistics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2031.
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.