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Research and the lab

Forensic Scientist

Analyses evidence from crimes, such as blood, DNA, fibres and drugs, and reports what it shows to investigators and the courts.

Forensic scientists mostly work in laboratories, for police forces, government agencies or private providers, and visit crime scenes only some of the time. It suits methodical, impartial people who can handle distressing material and explain their findings clearly under questioning.

Also called Crime laboratory analyst, Criminalist or Forensic science examiner.

At a glance

Way in
Bachelor's degree, often in forensic science, chemistry, biology, biochemistry and genetics
Pay in the US
$72,060 a year, the medianFor forensic science technicians, 2025
Pay in the UK
£27,000 starting to £45,000 with experience
US outlook
Much faster than average, 2025-2035
Suits you if
You like careful lab work, puzzles and the idea of science serving justice

Pay is a guide: it moves with the country, the employer, the sector and the years in the job. Figures from O*NET OnLine (US) and the National Careers Service (UK); see the sources below.

The work

What does a forensic scientist do?

  • Receive and log evidence, keeping a clear chain of custody
  • Examine items for traces such as blood, hair, fibres, glass or paint
  • Produce DNA profiles and compare them with reference samples
  • Test body fluids and seized materials for drugs, alcohol and poisons
  • Write impartial reports and give evidence in court as an expert witness

Where they work

  • Forensic science laboratories
  • Police and government agencies
  • Private forensic providers
  • Crime scenes
  • Courts

Skills

The skills a forensic scientist needs

  • Lab techniqueDNA extraction, PCR and chromatography
  • Careful handlingavoiding contamination at every step
  • Objectivityreporting what the evidence supports, no more
  • Report writingclear statements for non-scientists
  • Composurestaying calm under cross-examination
  • Resilienceworking with distressing cases

Route in

How to become a forensic scientist

  1. Earn a degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry or an accredited forensic science course
  2. Consider a master's in forensic science, which helps in a competitive field
  3. Start as an assistant or technician in a forensic lab and train in one area, such as DNA or drugs
  4. Gain casework experience and courtroom training so you can sign off reports and give expert evidence

Degrees people take

  • Forensic science
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics

In the UK, a degree with Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences accreditation can help; in the US, crime scene and evidence technician jobs often need less than a degree.

Practise for it

The quizzes and tools that fit

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Next to it

Careers to weigh against it

Sources

Where the facts come from

Written for biofideX from these public sources. The pay figures are theirs, copied as published, last read 2026-10-25.

Requirements differ by country and change over time; check with the body that registers the profession where you will work. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we'll correct it.

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