How long does it take to become a forensic science technician?

Typically about four years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do forensic science technicians make?

The US median is $72,060 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a forensic science technician?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become a forensic science technician?

1,735 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a forensic science technician

Science · SOC 19-4092

$72,060US median pay, 2025

+13.3%Projected growth, 2025–35

2,800Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Bachelor's degree
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Work as a forensic science technician

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Biology/Biological Sciences, General	CIP 26.0101	1,632
Chemistry, General	CIP 40.0501	1,176
Forensic Science and Technology	CIP 43.0406	219
Criminal Justice and Corrections, General	CIP 43.0100	46
Forensic Chemistry	CIP 40.0510	31
Criminalistics and Criminal Science	CIP 43.0402	28
Forensic Anthropology	CIP 45.0205	6

See the 1,735 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a forensic science technician?: Typically about four years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do forensic science technicians make?: The US median is $72,060 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a forensic science technician?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become a forensic science technician?: 1,735 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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