Forensic Science Technician

A Forensic Science Technician performs tests on evidence used in legal cases. You’ll usually conduct testing in a laboratory, but you may have to perform tests on site at a crime scene if required. Forensic Science Technicians might examine body tissue or fluids or other potential evidence such as clothing or computers and phones. You’ll prepare a report on your findings and may appear in court during legal proceedings.

Forensic Science Technicians need to have strong observational skills and excellent attention to detail. It’s important that you can communicate your findings clearly and work as part of a team. Forensic Science Technicians must be able to follow correct procedures and perform their testing with great accuracy.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $101,400
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a forensic science technician?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
MSL40122

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
On Campus
7 months
$5,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Attendant Laboratory Technician Forensic Science Technician
Medical Laboratory Technician Pathology Assistant Pathology Collector
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Attendant Laboratory Technician Forensic Science Technician Medical Laboratory Technician Pathology Assistant Pathology Collector + 3 more
MSL50122

Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
6 - 48 months
$0 - $28,934
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Attendant Laboratory Technician Forensic Science Technician
Laboratory Scientist Laboratory Analyst Laboratory Assistant Medical Laboratory Technician Pathology Assistant Pathology Collector
+ 6 more

Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $22,032
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Crime Scene Investigator Forensic Scientist Research Scientist
Forensic Science Technician
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Crime Scene Investigator Forensic Scientist Research Scientist Forensic Science Technician + 1 more
Recommended

Bachelor of Forensic Science
On Campus
3 years
$27,942 - $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 Diploma in Forensic Science
On Campus, Online
12 months
$0 - $8,944
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Toxicologist Forensic Scientist Crime Scene Investigator
Forensic Analyst DNA Analyst Forensic Science Technician
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Toxicologist Forensic Scientist Crime Scene Investigator Forensic Analyst DNA 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

Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours)
On Campus
12 months
$8,948 - $9,314
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Scientist Crime Scene Investigator DNA Analyst
Forensic Entomologist Forensic Science Technician Forensic Toxicologist Forensic Analyst
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Scientist Crime Scene Investigator DNA Analyst Forensic Entomologist Forensic Science Technician Forensic Toxicologist Forensic Analyst + 4 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

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Common questions

How much does a Forensic Science Technician earn?

In Australia, a full time Forensic Science Technician generally earns $1,950 per week ($101,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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What are the job opportunities for a Forensic Science Technician?

This industry has seen an increase in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 16,900 people employed as a Forensic Science Technician in Australia compared to 12,900 five years ago. Forensic Science Technicians may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly larger towns and cities.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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How do I become a Forensic Science Technician?

If you’re thinking about a career as a Forensic Science Technician, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques. You’ll develop the skills to perform microscopic examinations, prepare culture media, perform aseptic techniques and calibrate laboratory instruments. You could also further your studies with a Diploma of Laboratory Technology.

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