What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Forensic Science Technicians in the U.S. earn more than $72,060 a year — the middle 80% land between $48,250 and $117,250. About 19,120 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Forensic Science Technicians”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Professionals earn about ₹38,298 a month on average — around ₹4.6 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$72,060typical pay / year
19,120people in this work
$117,250+top 10% earn
₹4.6 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Analysing3
Reconstruct crime scenes
+Reconstruct the downtown shooting scene on Elm Street: map bullet trajectories from the recovered casings and…
Reconstruct crime scenes
+Reconstruct the downtown shooting scene on Elm Street: map bullet trajectories from the recovered casings and wall impacts, place the shooter and victim positions, photograph scaled measurements, then export a scene diagram and email it to Detective Morales by Tuesday with notes on uncertain sightlines.
The tools that do the workComputer aided design and drafting CADDjob descriptionsO*NET
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Examine and analyze blood stain patterns
+Document and measure the bloodstain patterns from the kitchen scene at 42 Pine Avenue, photograph with scale,…
Examine and analyze blood stain patterns
+Document and measure the bloodstain patterns from the kitchen scene at 42 Pine Avenue, photograph with scale, record droplet size and angles, reconstruct likely positions and movements, then prepare a bloodstain analysis summary for the case file and Detective Ng by Monday.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Visiojob descriptionsO*NET
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Perform tests on weapons or substances
+Perform functional and firing tests on the seized pistol and run chemical analysis on residue from the barrel…
Perform tests on weapons or substances
+Perform functional and firing tests on the seized pistol and run chemical analysis on residue from the barrel and hands, log serial and condition, calibrate the chronograph first, record results in the weapon test report, and submit it to the prosecutor by Friday.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptionsO*NET
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Fixing1
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment
+Inspect, calibrate and certify the laboratory ballistic comparator and the microscope this week, replace any…
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment
+Inspect, calibrate and certify the laboratory ballistic comparator and the microscope this week, replace any worn parts, run control samples to verify accuracy, log maintenance and calibration certificates, and notify the lab manager when complete.
The tools that do the workLinuxjob descriptionsO*NET
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Keeping the record1
Testify as expert witnesses in court
+Prepare my courtroom testimony for next Wednesday: assemble chain-of-custody, exhibit photographs, ballistic…
Testify as expert witnesses in court
+Prepare my courtroom testimony for next Wednesday: assemble chain-of-custody, exhibit photographs, ballistic comparison report and a one-page expert summary, rehearse answers to probable cross-examination with Lead Counsel Alvarez, and upload exhibits to the court portal by close of business Monday.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordMicrosoft PowerPointjob descriptionsO*NET
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The daily work13
Observe laboratory activities
+Observe the firearms comparison run in Lab 3 today, note each technician's steps, safety lapses, deviations…
Observe laboratory activities
+Observe the firearms comparison run in Lab 3 today, note each technician's steps, safety lapses, deviations from SOP, and any equipment adjustments, then submit a concise observation report to Chief Forensic Scientist by 1700 with photos of the test setup attached.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordMicrosoft OutlookESCO
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Record test sequences
+Record the live-fire test sequence on the bench: log shot number, ammunition lot, barrel and chamber…
Record test sequences
+Record the live-fire test sequence on the bench: log shot number, ammunition lot, barrel and chamber temperatures, breech markings, and time stamps continuously, then upload the time-stamped sequence file to the case folder and notify Detective Moreno.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelESCO
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Prepare samples for testing
+Prepare three bullet and three cartridge case samples from Exhibit 21 for rifling and microscope analysis:…
Prepare samples for testing
+Prepare three bullet and three cartridge case samples from Exhibit 21 for rifling and microscope analysis: clean, label with case and evidence numbers, document weights, and place in the designated evidence trays ready for microscopic comparison by 0900 tomorrow.
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Laboratory techniques
+Perform the laboratory technique checklist on the comparison microscope before today's series: run the…
Laboratory techniques
+Perform the laboratory technique checklist on the comparison microscope before today's series: run the alignment grid, verify magnification calibration, note any drift or aberration, and sign off the calibration log so the next examiner can proceed.
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Operate scientific measuring equipment
+Operate the ballistic chronograph and pressure sensor for three controlled shots: set sensor ranges, record…
Operate scientific measuring equipment
+Operate the ballistic chronograph and pressure sensor for three controlled shots: set sensor ranges, record muzzle velocity, note any anomalies in the raw readings, save the exported data file into the case directory, and flag values outside expected tolerances.
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Train new technicians in forensic techniques
+Train two new technicians on safe evidence handling and basic toolmark comparison: run them through sample…
Train new technicians in forensic techniques
+Train two new technicians on safe evidence handling and basic toolmark comparison: run them through sample preparation at the bench, demonstrate calibrating the comparison microscope, observe their fit of protective gear, then give a timed practical using three fired cartridge cases and debrief errors.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Wordjob descriptionsO*NET
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Review forensic reports for technical merit
+Review Detective Ramos's three forensic reports for technical merit: verify sample chain of custody, check…
Review forensic reports for technical merit
+Review Detective Ramos's three forensic reports for technical merit: verify sample chain of custody, check microscope calibration logs, confirm measurement methods and statistics are appropriate, flag any deviations for a written correction and return to the analyst by Thursday.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptionsO*NET
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Compare objects and impression marks
+Compare the two suspect bullets and three test-fired marks: mount each specimen on the comparison stage,…
Compare objects and impression marks
+Compare the two suspect bullets and three test-fired marks: mount each specimen on the comparison stage, photograph matching land and groove features, record measurement offsets, prepare a side-by-side report summarising congruent striae and differences for Detective Lee.
The tools that do the workAdobe PhotoshopMicrosoft Wordjob descriptionsO*NET
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Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information, such as serial numbers.
+Examine the recovered handgun for mechanical condition and legal status: inspect bore and firing pin, attempt…
Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information, such as serial numbers.
+Examine the recovered handgun for mechanical condition and legal status: inspect bore and firing pin, attempt controlled disassembly to reveal obliterated serial, document restoration steps and test-fireability, then prepare a property and legal-status memo for the prosecutor.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordO*NET
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Create photographic and sketch-based documentation
+Create photographic and sketch documentation for case 21-048: photograph the spent casings and toolmarks with…
Create photographic and sketch-based documentation
+Create photographic and sketch documentation for case 21-048: photograph the spent casings and toolmarks with scale, draft a scene sketch showing evidence locations and measurement annotations, produce a photolog and labelled sketch packet for the file.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft VisioAdobe Photoshopjob descriptions
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Operate digital media analysis tools
+Operate the lab's digital imaging workstation to extract and enhance toolmark images: import the…
Operate digital media analysis tools
+Operate the lab's digital imaging workstation to extract and enhance toolmark images: import the high-resolution captures, run noise reduction and contrast normalization, export TIFFs and a contact-sheet PDF for the comparing examiner and lodge copies in the case file.
The tools that do the workAdobe PhotoshopMicrosoft Exceljob descriptions
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Wear appropriate protective gear
+Put on the full set of protective gear for the range lab: ballistic-rated apron, cut-resistant gloves, safety…
Wear appropriate protective gear
+Put on the full set of protective gear for the range lab: ballistic-rated apron, cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses with side shields, hearing protection, and respirator, confirm seals fit, log the PPE kit serials and time before handling any evidence or samples.
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Calibrate laboratory equipment
+Calibrate the comparison microscope and test-fired bullet measuring stage using the certified gauge block set…
Calibrate laboratory equipment
+Calibrate the comparison microscope and test-fired bullet measuring stage using the certified gauge block set and calibration target, record the before/after readings and calibration certificate numbers in the equipment log, then schedule the next competency check.
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Says who?
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The logs, files & records this job keeps
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Same family of work — each with its own tasks and prompts.
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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses