Forensic Toxicologist

Forensic Toxicologists are specialist scientists who source, analyse, and test biological samples (eg, blood, hair, body fluids, bone tissue, plants and insects) for traces of drugs and toxins to solve crimes. They usually work in the laboratory but may also be required to attend court, crime scenes, autopsies, and workplaces.

As a Forensic Toxicologist you could be processing a drug test on a driver who was involved in a fatal collision, assisting with a coronial post-mortem where the deceased may have overdosed, testing exhumed human remains for toxins in a cold-case investigation, conducting a drug test at a mine site after a dangerous incident, 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 Toxicologists create reports that are used in court as evidence to convict the perpetrators of murders and serious crimes, so attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy is essential to success.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $80,600
Skill level Unknown

How do I become a forensic toxicologist?

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
$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 do Forensic Toxicologists earn?

The weekly salary for a Forensic Toxicologist in Australia typically ranges from approximately $1,500 to $2,300, equating to an annual salary range of about $78,000 to $120,000. 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: genetics and DNA analysis, pharmacology, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, biomedicine, or similar.

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What are the job opportunities for Forensic Toxicologists?

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

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How do I become a Forensic Toxicologist?

You can launch your career as a Forensic Toxicologist in Australia with a Bachelor of Forensic Science (Forensic Biology and Toxicology) or Bachelor of Pharmacology and Toxicology plus a Master of Forensic Science (Professional Practice and Research).

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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