AITakeover Tracker
Awaiting Assessment

Forensic Science Technicians

Also known as: Ballistic Expert, Ballistic Technician, Ballistician, Ballistics Expert, Biometric Fingerprinting Technician, Blood Splatter Analyst, Computer Forensics Technician, Crime Lab Technician, Crime Laboratory Analyst, Crime Scene Analyst

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

Education & Training

Percentage of workers at each education and training level

Education Level

High School Diploma7%
Post-Secondary Certificate39%
Associate's Degree14%
Bachelor's Degree39%

Prior Experience Needed

Work experience required to enter this job

None24%
3-6 months7%
6 months - 1 year20%
1-2 years9%
2-4 years32%
6-8 years7%

Training Provided After Hiring

How long it typically takes to learn on the job

1-3 months17%
3-6 months50%
6 months - 1 year5%
1-2 years11%
2-4 years17%

How AI Impacts Each Task

27 tasks analyzed

Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.

Time: 10%

Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.

Time: 8%

Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.

Time: 6%

Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes.

Time: 8%

Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.

Time: 4%

Essential Soft Skills

Traits that are hard for AI to replicate

Attention to DetailIntegritySelf ControlAnalytical ThinkingStress ToleranceDependabilityAdaptability/FlexibilityCooperationIndependenceInitiativeAchievement/EffortPersistence

Wage & Employment (2024)

Median Wage

$67,440

per year

Mean Wage

$75,260

per year

Employment

19K

workers

Wage Range

$45,560 - $110,710

10th - 90th pct

Wage Distribution

$45,560Median: $67,440$110,710
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Awaiting Assessment

This occupation has 27 tasks in the database and is queued for the next scoring run. Risk scores, protective factors, and skill gaps will appear once the assessment completes.