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Occupational Employment Statistics


DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA

19-4092 Forensic Science Technicians



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.

Geography Click link for Career Profile EmploymentEmp SE*Percentiles
Mean10th25thMedian75th90th
Minnesota 1302$38.16/hr$23.04/hr$30.33/hr$37.46/hr$50.49/hr$50.49/hr


IndustryOES Employment (Statewide)OES Median Wage (Statewide)
Public Administration130$37.46/hr
 
Geography Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2022-2032
Central Minnesota N/AN/AN/A
Northwest Minnesota N/AN/AN/A
Southeast Minnesota N/AN/AN/A
Southwest Minnesota N/AN/AN/A
Grand Forks ND-MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
La Crosse WI-MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
Mankato-North Mankato MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
Rochester MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
St Cloud MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
Northwest Balance of State N/AN/AN/A
Southeast Balance of State N/AN/AN/A
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN 120$40.72/hr14.1%
Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA 120$38.47/hrN/A
Minnesota 130$37.46/hr15.5%


Occupations Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change -
Fire Inspectors and Investigators 140$41.02/hrN/A
Forest and Conservation Technicians 610$25.79/hr3.7%
Power Distributors and Dispatchers 150$56.43/hrN/A


  • Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
  • Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes.
  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
  • Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
  • Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.
  • Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
  • Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
  • Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
  • Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.