Forensic science technicians
SOC Code: 19-4092
Forensic science technicians carries a 61% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $67,440 and +12.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 20,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Forensic science technicians (SOC 19-4092) carries an AI exposure score of 61%, placing it in the Very High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 20,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +12.8% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $67,440, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Forensic science technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
- 2. Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
- 3. Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
- 4. Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
- 5. Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
- 6. Measure and sketch crime scenes to document evidence.
- 7. Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
- 8. Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
- 9. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
- 10. Examine physical evidence, such as hair, biological fluids, fiber, wood, or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Learning
- Science
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Law and Government
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Chemistry
- Administrative
- Biology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Forensic science technicians?
Forensic science technicians has an AI exposure score of 61%, indicating a very high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Forensic science technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Forensic science technicians is projected to grow by 12.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 20,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Forensic science technicians?
Key skills for Forensic science technicians include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Forensic science technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Forensic science technicians is $67,440, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Forensic science technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Forensic science technicians is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Forensic science technicians?
Forensic science technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).