Also called: Forensic Science Technician, CSI
Collects and analyzes evidence like fingerprints, blood, and DNA from crime scenes.
CSIs photograph scenes, dust for prints, collect evidence, and process it in labs. Real life involves more paperwork than TV shows.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in forensic science, chemistry, or biology.
Ways in: 4-year college, 2-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology.
Growing much faster than average (about 13% over 10 years). BLS projects about 13% growth for forensic science technicians.
Low risk for 10 years. 3D scanners and AI help analyze evidence, but processing real scenes, collecting samples and testifying stay human.
Classes: AP Chemistry, AP Biology, Photography, Criminal justice.
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.