Description
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.
Interests
- Investigative
- Conventional
- Realistic
Work Values
- Support
- Recognition
- Independence
Work Styles
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Cooperation
Tasks
- Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
- Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
- Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
- Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
- Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Detailed Work Activities
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Technology Skills
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Presentation software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Electronic mail software
- Office suite software
Abilities
- Flexibility of Closure
- Inductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
Skills
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Law and Government
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
GIAC Battlefield Forensics and AcquisitionCertifying Organization
Global Information Assurance Certification
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Master Analyst in Financial ForensicsCertifying Organization
National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Certified Computer Forensic Technician - BasicCertifying Organization
High Tech Crime Network
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Latent Print CertificationCertifying Organization
International Association for Identification
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $42,951 |
| Median (50%) | $59,675 |
| High (90%) | $113,186 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $57,281 |
| Mid Level | $84,022 |
| Senior Level | $99,296 |
| Expert Level | $128,244 |
Employability
There are currently 18,600 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 21,200 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 14%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 14%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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