Forensic Chemist

Forensic Chemists are specialist scientists who use the theories and practical aspects of chemistry to solve crimes. Their skills can be used in several areas of justice including sports drug testing, toxicology, arson, sexual assault, counterfeiting, food safety, pharmaceuticals, murder investigations, and crimes that involve illicit drugs.

As a Forensic Chemist you could be logging items for testing, screening a laboratory sample for performance-enhancing drugs, running chemical tests to determine the authenticity of a painting, testing tissue samples from a deceased person for toxins, testing a hand swab for gunshot residue, testing the purity of pharmaceutical drugs, writing a report from your laboratory findings to submit to the state police department, or attending an international conference for Forensic Scientists.

To succeed in this career, you’ll need a keen eye for detail, a curious mind that can identify patterns across laboratory tests, a commitment to accuracy and data integrity, and outstanding writing skills.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $85,020
Skill level Unknown

How do I become a forensic chemist?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced

Master of Forensic Science
On Campus, Online
18 - 24 months
$0 - $61,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Toxicologist Forensic Scientist Crime Scene Investigator
Forensic Chemist Forensic Engineer Forensic Psychologist
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Toxicologist Forensic Scientist Crime Scene Investigator Forensic Chemist Forensic Engineer Forensic Psychologist + 3 more

Bachelor of Forensic Science
On Campus
3 years
$0 - $78,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Chemist Forensic Toxicologist Research Scientist
Crime Scene Investigator Forensic Analyst Forensic Science Technician
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Chemist Forensic Toxicologist Research Scientist Crime Scene Investigator Forensic Analyst Forensic Science Technician + 3 more

Graduate Certificate in Forensic Science
On Campus, Online
6 months
$0 - $4,472
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Crime Scene Investigator Forensic Analyst Forensic Toxicologist
Forensic Chemist Forensic Psychologist Forensic Science Technician
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Crime Scene Investigator Forensic Analyst Forensic Toxicologist Forensic Chemist Forensic Psychologist Forensic Science Technician + 3 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

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Common questions

How much do Forensic Chemists earn?

Entry-level positions might start around AUD 60,000, while experienced professionals or those in senior roles could earn upwards of AUD 110,000. Increase your earning capacity by joining a professional organisation such as The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) and pursuing a Master’s degree in a specialist field: DNA analysis, toxicology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry and others.

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What are the job opportunities for Forensic Chemists?

There are no clear employment figures for Forensic Chemists working in Australia right now. They are employed by government health departments and police forces, though most Forensic Chemists aspire to work alongside a team of forensic scientists in the Forensic Services Division (Canberra) of the Australian Federal Police.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Forensic Chemist?

Forensic Chemists in Australia need a strong scientific background in both chemistry and forensic science. Launch your career with a Bachelor of Science (Forensic Chemistry), Bachelor of Science (Medical, Forensic and Analytical Chemistry), or Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) (Honours) followed by post-graduate qualifications. Examples include: Master of Forensic Science (Professional Practice and Research), Master of Science in Analytical Chemical Technologies, and Master of Science (Chemistry).

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023)

A Beginner's Guide to Laboratory Technician Training in Australia

7th February 2025)

What can you do with a Certificate III in Pathology Collection?

4th November 2021)

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