Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists are specialist scientists who analyse and test suspect items (as well as human tissue and body fluids) that may have been used (or tainted) during crimes. They attend crime scenes, gather evidence, take photographs and sketches, write notes, and question bystanders.

As a Forensic Scientist you could be logging evidence items to take back to the laboratory for testing, taking a swab from a sexual assault victim, testing tissue samples from a deceased person for toxins, testing a hand swab for gunshot residue, writing a report from your laboratory findings to submit to the state police department, appearing in court as an expert witness, or attending an international conference for Forensic Scientists.

Forensic Scientists can be called to a crime scene at any time of the day or night and may be exposed to harmful toxins and body fluids as well as deceased persons with unsettling injuries. To succeed you will need to be a strong critical thinker with the ability to stay calm and professional in a challenging environment.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $83,200
Skill level Unknown

How do I become a forensic scientist?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced

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

Bachelor of Science (Human Biology)
On Campus
3 years
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Biotechnologist Forensic Scientist Genetic Counsellor
Hospital Scientist Pharmaceutical Scientist Research Scientist
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Biotechnologist Forensic Scientist Genetic Counsellor Hospital Scientist Pharmaceutical Scientist Research Scientist + 3 more

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Biotechnology)
Blended, On Campus
12 months
$0 - $16,323
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Biotechnologist Forensic Scientist Research Scientist
Medical Laboratory Scientist Pharmaceutical Scientist
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Biotechnologist Forensic Scientist Research Scientist Medical Laboratory Scientist Pharmaceutical Scientist + 2 more

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

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

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.

Related occupations

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Forensic Specialist

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Criminal Investigator

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Forensic Anthropologist

Forensic Anthropologists analyse skeletal remains and physical features to solve crimes, determining victims' identities, causes of death, and providing expert evidence in court.

Avg yearly income $79,300
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Forensic Analyst

A Forensic Analyst investigates crimes by analysing physical evidence and digital data, preparing reports to support legal proceedings.

Avg yearly income $59,800
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Forensic Biologist

Forensic Biologists analyse biological samples to solve crimes, gathering evidence at crime scenes, conducting tests, and preparing reports for court.

Avg yearly income $78,000
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Crime Scene Investigator

Crime Scene Investigators collect and analyse evidence at crime scenes, preserving details and documenting findings to solve crimes.

Avg yearly income $85,800
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Forensic Psychologist

Forensic Psychologists assess offenders' mental health, provide expert testimony, and collaborate with law enforcement in criminal cases.

Avg yearly income $109,200
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Forensic Chemist

Forensic Chemists analyse chemical evidence to solve crimes, working in areas like toxicology, drug testing, and arson investigations.

Avg yearly income $85,020
Skill level Unknown

Forensic Toxicologist

Forensic Toxicologists analyse biological samples for drugs and toxins to aid criminal investigations, ensuring accurate reports for court use.

Avg yearly income $80,600
Skill level Unknown

Forensic Odontologist

A Forensic Odontologist examines dental evidence to aid criminal investigations, collaborating with law enforcement and providing expert testimony.

Avg yearly income $98,800
Skill level Unknown

DNA Analyst

A DNA Analyst analyses genetic material in forensic labs or research settings to support criminal investigations and medical research.

Avg yearly income $78,000
Skill level Unknown

Forensic Entomologist

A Forensic Entomologist studies insects to aid legal investigations, determining time of death and collecting evidence from decomposed remains.

Avg yearly income $109,980
Skill level Unknown

Forensic Consultant

A Forensic Consultant analyses and interprets forensic evidence for legal cases, preparing reports and testifying in court as needed.

Avg yearly income $52,000
Skill level Unknown

Common questions

How much do Forensic Scientists earn?

The average weekly salary for a Forensic Scientist in Australia is approximately $1,600. Increase your earning capacity by joining a professional organisation such as the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) and pursuing a Master’s degree in a specialist field: DNA analysis, toxicology, criminology, forensic chemistry, forensic investigations, or similar.

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What are the job opportunities for Forensic Scientists?

There are no clear employment figures for Forensic Scientists working in Australia right now. They are employed by government health departments and police forces, though most Forensic Scientists aspire to work for the AFP Forensic Services Division in Canberra.

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How do I become a Forensic Scientist?

You can launch your career as a Forensic Scientist in Australia with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Forensic Science) or Bachelor of Science (Medical, Forensic and Analytical Chemistry) but you will have a wider range of career opportunities with supporting qualifications or a Master’s degree. The Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Criminology, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, and Master of Forensic Science (Professional Practice and Research) are all excellent choices.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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