Forensic experts are highly trained professionals who use their knowledge of science and the law to investigate crimes. They work in a variety of settings, including crime labs, police departments, and private companies.
The median annual salary for forensic experts was $61,670 in May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,650, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,580.
The BLS projects that employment of forensic experts will grow 17 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing use of forensic evidence in criminal investigations.
Factors that affect salary
A number of factors can affect the salary of a forensic expert, including:
- Education: Forensic experts typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field such as forensic science, criminal justice, or biology. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or Ph.D.
- Experience: Forensic experts with more experience typically earn higher salaries.
- Location: Forensic experts who work in large metropolitan areas typically earn higher salaries than those who work in rural areas.
- Employer: Forensic experts who work for government agencies typically earn lower salaries than those who work for private companies.
Benefits of being a forensic expert
There are a number of benefits to being a forensic expert, including:
- Job security: Forensic experts are in high demand, and the job outlook is expected to be positive for the next several years.
- Good salary: Forensic experts typically earn good salaries, especially those with experience and advanced degrees.
- Variety of work: Forensic experts work on a variety of cases, which can make the job interesting and challenging.
- Opportunity to help others: Forensic experts play an important role in the criminal justice system by helping to convict criminals and exonerate the innocent.
Challenges of being a forensic expert
There are also some challenges to being a forensic expert, including:
- Long hours: Forensic experts often work long hours, including nights and weekends.
- Stressful work: Forensic experts can be exposed to traumatic and disturbing material, which can be stressful.
- Danger: Forensic experts may be required to work in dangerous situations, such as crime scenes.
Is a career as a forensic expert right for me?
If you are interested in a career as a forensic expert, you should consider the following factors:
- Do you have the necessary education and experience? Forensic experts typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field such as forensic science, criminal justice, or biology. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or Ph.D.
- Are you comfortable working with traumatic and disturbing material? Forensic experts can be exposed to traumatic and disturbing material, which can be stressful.
- Are you willing to work long hours? Forensic experts often work long hours, including nights and weekends.
- Are you able to work in dangerous situations? Forensic experts may be required to work in dangerous situations, such as crime scenes.
If you answered yes to all of these questions, then a career as a forensic expert may be right for you.
Four Vital Tables Given Below
| Year | Median Annual Salary |
|—|—|—|
| 2020 | $61,670 |
| 2021 | $63,920 |
| 2022 | $66,340 |
| 2023 | $68,840 |
| 2024 | $71,500 |
| 2025 | $74,320 |
| Education Level | Median Annual Salary |
|—|—|—|
| Bachelor’s degree | $61,670 |
| Master’s degree | $68,940 |
| Ph.D. | $84,580 |
| Location | Median Annual Salary |
|—|—|—|
| New York, NY | $86,320 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $82,540 |
| Chicago, IL | $78,630 |
| Houston, TX | $76,250 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $74,970 |
| Employer | Median Annual Salary |
|—|—|—|
| Government | $60,830 |
| Private company | $63,290 |
| Nonprofit organization | $59,470 |
FAQs
-
What is the average salary for a forensic expert?
The median annual salary for forensic experts was $61,670 in May 2020. -
What is the job outlook for forensic experts?
The BLS projects that employment of forensic experts will grow 17 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. -
What are the benefits of being a forensic expert?
Benefits of being a forensic expert include job security, a good salary, a variety of work, and the opportunity to help others. -
What are the challenges of being a forensic expert?
Challenges of being a forensic expert include long hours, stressful work, and danger. -
Is a career as a forensic expert right for me?
A career as a forensic expert may be right for you if you have the necessary education and experience, are comfortable working with traumatic and disturbing material, are willing to work long hours, and are able to work in dangerous situations. -
What are some related careers to forensic science?
Some related careers to forensic science include crime scene investigator, forensic toxicologist, and forensic document examiner. -
What are some of the latest trends in forensic science?
Some of the latest trends in forensic science include the use of DNA analysis, digital forensics, and crime scene reconstruction. -
What are some of the challenges facing forensic science?
Some of the challenges facing forensic science include the backlog of cases, the need for more research, and the need for more training for forensic experts.
