Also called: Forensic Biologist, DNA Examiner
Analyzes DNA from crime scenes to identify suspects or free the innocent.
DNA analysts extract DNA from tiny samples like a hair or cigarette butt, run them through lab instruments, and compare profiles to databases. Their work solves cold cases decades old and exonerates wrongly convicted people.
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 biology or chemistry with genetics and statistics courses.
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Forensic Science.
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. Robotic extraction, Rapid DNA and genotyping software automate much lab work; analysts review and testify.
Classes: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, 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.