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Forensic Scientist Salary

Change Country United States » Job » Forensic Scientist Overview » Forensic Scientist Salary
Updated: 21 May 2013
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Rated 5 out of 5 based on 26 Forensic Scientist votes.
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Forensic Scientist 2013 Total Pay (?
XAll compensation data shown are gross, national 10th to 90th percentile ranges. Pay can vary greatly by location. To view local data, take the PayScale survey.
)
$36,505 - $76,464
(Median)
0
37K
50K
61K
76K
MEDIAN: $50,047
10%
50%
75%
90%

Forensic Scientist Job Listings

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national salary data
National Salary Data

National Salary Data

 (?
XAll compensation data shown are gross, national 10th to 90th percentile ranges. Pay can vary greatly by location. To view local data, take the PayScale survey.
)
$0$26K$52K$78K
Salary$35,823 - $77,619  
   
Bonus$0.00 - $5,017  
Profit Sharing$0.00 - $1,500  
Total Pay (?
XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).
)
$36,505 - $76,464  
PayScale
Country: United States | Currency: USD | Updated: 21 May 2013 | Individuals Reporting: 105

Job Description for Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientist General Job Description
Forensic scientists are in quite a bit of demand these days by crime investigation laboratories in both the public and private sectors. A forensic scientist’s skills in evaluating crime scene evidence such as explosives, chemicals, a variety of fibers, human and animal hair, tissues and bodily fluids are invaluable in solving crimes. Most of this work is done in a laboratory setting; however, forensic scientists may also visit the crime scene to collect evidence.
The forensic scientist must be equally comfortable and adept in a sterile laboratory setting and a hectic and often unsettling crime scene setting. Tasks range from high-tech analytic skills to ferreting about for evidence in all sorts of adverse conditions. In addition to these duties, a forensic scientist must be computer savvy and able to write clear and accurate reports and present these findings well in a court of law. If employed by a government entity, certain physical and psychological requirements as well as a thorough background check may apply.
Although forensic science skills are necessary in crime solving, competition for a position is quite fierce. Once established, attaining a promotion is not quick or easy. To earn a position as a forensic scientist, one must have a science-related degree or, better yet, a degree specifically in forensic science. Additionally, forensic scientists must posses specific personal qualities such as the ability to think independently and analytically, strong logic skills and attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Because forensic scientists may be called upon to work in a variety of emotionally charged settings, excellent interpersonal skills are a must.
Forensic Scientist Tasks
  • Prepare laboratory reports and may testify in court.
  • Collect, store, protect, and analyze physical evidence from crime scenes to aid investigation.
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company salaries
Companies and Industries for Forensic Scientist Salaries

Popular Industries

Salary Range

Police Department$30,276 - $71,642
Professional Analytical or Laboratory Services$28,517 - $67,657
Government$32,142 - $72,420
Scientific Consulting$27,939 - $68,314
Popular Employers

Salary Range

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key statistics
Key Statistics for Forensic Scientist Salaries and Jobs

Female
52%
female alumni
 
Male
48%
male alumni
Salary:$39,925 - $58,496 $43,746 - $63,871
Years of Experience
Less than 1 year
13%
1-4 years
43%
5-9 years
22%
10-19 years
16%
20 years or more
6%
Most Common Health Benefits
medical benefits Medical: 91% dental benefits Dental: 67%
vision benefits Vision: 53% employee benefits None: 9%

alumni reports
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career path
Career Path for Forensic Scientist Jobs

Common Past Jobs
Common Future Jobs

Forensic Scientist

Salary Range

$36,505 - $76,464
payscale
Forensic Science Technician
$25,195 - $72,446
Criminalist
$26,205 - $80,030
 
Common Future Jobs

Forensic Scientist

Salary Range

$36,505 - $76,464
payscale
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Salary Map for Forensic Scientist Jobs

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