Crime scene technician is a detail and research position.
A crime scene technician position may have slightly different titles of forensic scientist, forensic technician or science technician. Crime scene technicians investigate crimes and collect the evidence which might help to tell the story of what happened. In the lab, they analyze the evidence and testify in court as an expert witness. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates beginning salaries are $21,000 to $29,500 per year. Some employers will pay salary bonuses of $250 per year.
Outlook
There is a continuing need in the judicial system for forensic scientists as city, county and state governments employ technicians and jobs continues to increase in the Departments of Justice, Treasury and other federal law enforcement. Private labs, colleges and universities also hire technicians. The average salary is $24.19 per hour or $50,310 per year according to the Cert Forensic Technician. As forensic science techniques are increasing, the BLS expects this position will increase the number of jobs by 20 percent during 2008 to 2018.
Industry Salaries
The U. S. armed forces hire forensic scientist technicians for their DNA Identification Laboratory. CareerBliss.com shows a beginning salary in the armed forces DNA Laboratory as $44,000 per year. In March 2011, Simply Hired has average salaries of $37,000 to $38,000 for Mesa, Arizona, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The U. S. Secret Service has beginning salaries starting at $73,000 per year, according to CareerBliss.com.
Education Level
Forensic scientists must be very detailed in their work and many specialize in areas of investigation. A bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology or physics is the basic requirement for employment. Career Bliss lists beginning salaries of $22,000 per year for LaVergne, Tennessee and Gwinnett County, Georgia. Laboratory experience and computer courses are necessary to work in forensic labs across the country. An advanced degree or specialization in DNA analysis, firearms or fibers will increase salary considerations.
Location
Some states have higher concentrations of employment for forensic scientists but have a lower pay scale. In May 2009, the BLS lists the highest concentration of employment in the District of Columbia, 0.306 forensic scientists for 1,000 workers, who receive an annual mean wage of $69,870. The State of Maryland has 0,169 forensic scientists for 1,000 workers and an annual mean salary of $59,920. The highest annual mean wage is in Massachusetts with a salary of $81,950 and an employment concentration of only 0.014 per 1,000 workers. For cities, the highest paying annual salary of $78,430 is in the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C., Arlington and Alexandria, Virgina.
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