Forensic Science Technicians
Medium37.96%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$41,410
Median$64,940
High (90th %)$107,490
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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.
The automation risk for the occupation "Forensic Science Technicians" is estimated at 38.0%, which is closely aligned with the base risk of 38.5%. This is considered a moderate risk, indicating that while some aspects of the job are susceptible to automation, a significant portion of the work still requires human expertise and oversight. The tasks most vulnerable to automation include collecting evidence from crime scenes and preserving its integrity, maintaining detailed records and preparing reports, and using photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes. These functions largely follow clear procedures and are increasingly being supported by automated tools, such as evidence-logging systems and advanced imaging technologies. Despite these automatable components, there are core aspects of the forensic science technician role that resist automation due to their complexity and reliance on critical thinking. The most resistant tasks involve analyzing data from computers or other digital sources to uncover evidence—a process that often requires pattern recognition, insight, and judgment beyond the capabilities of current artificial intelligence systems. Additional resistant tasks include examining firearms to ascertain their mechanical condition and legal status, sometimes involving intricate restoration work, and identifying and quantifying drugs or poisons in complex biological samples or at crime scenes. These responsibilities demand hands-on expertise, the ability to interpret nuanced information, and adherence to strict protocols, all of which are difficult to replicate with automated systems. Underlying these resistant tasks are bottleneck skills such as originality, which register at 2.9% and 3.1%—indicating that while not the highest in creativity or innovation compared to other professions, a notable degree of unique problem-solving is essential for effective work. Originality plays a crucial role when technicians encounter unfamiliar evidence, devise new laboratory techniques, or interpret atypical results. The need for tailored judgment and adaptive thinking represents a significant barrier to full automation. Therefore, while automation will likely continue to transform certain routine aspects of forensic science, the occupation will continue to rely on human skills for the foreseeable future.
Filter by Automatable Status
Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
Non-Automatable
Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
Partially Automatable
Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
Partially Automatable
Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
Non-Automatable
Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
Partially Automatable
Measure and sketch crime scenes to document evidence.
Non-Automatable
Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
Non-Automatable
Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
Partially Automatable
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
Partially Automatable
Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.
Partially Automatable
Examine and analyze blood stain patterns at crime scenes.
Partially Automatable
Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
Partially Automatable
Examine footwear, tire tracks, or other types of impressions.
Partially Automatable
Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
Partially Automatable
Determine types of bullets and specific weapons used in shootings.
Partially Automatable
Review forensic analysts' reports for technical merit.
Partially Automatable
Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes.
Partially Automatable
Compare objects, such as tools, with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.
Partially Automatable
Identify and quantify drugs or poisons found in biological fluids or tissues, in foods, or at crime scenes.
Partially Automatable
Analyze data from computers or other digital media sources for evidence related to criminal activity.
Partially Automatable
Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.
Partially Automatable
Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
Non-Automatable
Examine physical evidence, such as hair, biological fluids, fiber, wood, or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.
Partially Automatable
Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information, such as serial numbers.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTherapy and Counseling
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
DM2 Bills of LadingImage enhancement softwareMicrosoft VisioMideo Systems EZDoc PlusAdobe PhotoshopIBM NotesLinuxCombined DNA Index System CODISDataWorks Plus Digital CrimeSceneDesignWare 3D EyeWitnessEos Systems PhotoModelerMidwest Information Systems PAX-itNational Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBINSmartDraw LegalThe CAD Zone The Crime ZoneTrancite Logic Systems ScenePDWeb browser softwareWord processing softwareCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteDM2 Bills of LadingImage enhancement softwareCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteAutomated Biometric Identification System ABISAdobe PhotoshopIBM NotesComputer aided design and drafting CADD softwareDataWorks Plus Digital CrimeSceneDesignWare 3D EyeWitnessEos Systems PhotoModelerMicrosoft VisioMidwest Information Systems PAX-itNational Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBINSmartDraw LegalThe CAD Zone The Crime ZoneTrancite Logic Systems ScenePDMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordWeb browser softwareMicrosoft AccessLinuxWord processing softwareGraphics softwareGraphics softwareLaboratory information management system LIMSLaboratory information management system LIMSComputer aided design and drafting CADD softwareNational Crime Information Center (NCIC) databaseIntegrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFISMideo Systems EZDoc PlusCombined DNA Index System CODISAutomated Biometric Identification System ABISIntegrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFISNational Crime Information Center (NCIC) databaseVisual Statement Vista FX3 CSIVisual Statement Vista FX3 CSIMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Access
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Medium52.09%
Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.
Coroners
Low30.77%
Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.
Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
Medium44.97%
Obtain evidence, take statements, produce reports, and testify to findings regarding resolution of fraud allegations. May coordinate fraud detection and prevention activities.
Penetration Testers
Medium51.14%
Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.
Digital Forensics Analysts
Medium56.25%
Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.
Data Scientists
Medium59.38%
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
Microbiologists
Medium43.81%
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Medium50.23%
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
Medium55.41%
Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Medium45.89%
Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.
Physicians, Pathologists
Medium41.42%
Diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. Includes medical examiners.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Medium47.65%
Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
Cytogenetic Technologists
Medium55.83%
Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.
Histotechnologists
Medium47.76%
Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Medium43.59%
Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.
Histology Technicians
Low28.13%
Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Low32.81%
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
Police Identification and Records Officers
Low31.22%
Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.
Intelligence Analysts
Medium48.00%
Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.
Private Detectives and Investigators
Medium45.72%
Gather, analyze, compile, and report information regarding individuals or organizations to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment.