Also called: Forensic Genetic Genealogist, IGG Analyst
Uses DNA databases and family trees to identify suspects in cold cases and to name unidentified human remains.
Genetic genealogists upload crime-scene DNA profiles to public genealogy sites, find distant cousins, and build huge family trees from records until they narrow down one likely person. The method cracked the Golden State Killer case.
Mostly private firms and contractors. Estimate.
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 often helpful; genealogy and DNA training and certificates.
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification, Self-taught. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Genetics, History, Forensic Science.
Growing much faster than average. Rapidly growing technique.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI is automating tree building and record matching; fewer researchers needed, mainly to verify leads.
Classes: AP Biology, US history, Statistics.
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.