Crime Lab Technician

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Work Tasks

CRIME LAB TECHNICIANS provide technical support in a forensic lab and maintain evidence control. They assist professional lab staff, and perform a variety of tasks and procedures as assigned by the lab director. They log and identify evidence collected by the police at crime scenes. They assign numbers and maintain security of stored evidence and supplies. They operate lab equipment and perform a variety of basic analytical tests and examinations. They prepare chemical solutions and reagents, and gels, overlays, and buffers. They may test fire weapons and do microscopic scanning on cartridge cases.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $53,000 average per year ($25.50 per hour)
• A small occupation (12,400 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.0% per year)

Entry Requirements

Most employers prefer to hire CRIME LAB TECHNICIANS who have a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, toxicology, or a related field. Although, an associate degree or two years of technical or college-level coursework in the basic sciences and completion of chemistry/laboratory classes may be sufficient in some cases. Most employers also prefer to hire those who have experience in lab assistance and up-to-date training in the safety requirements of a chemical laboratory.