What States Have the Most Job Openings for Forensic Science Technicians?

As the field of forensic science expands, more and more students are pursuing education to become forensic science technicians. At one time, you could enter this field with just an associate’s degree, but today the vast majority of employers will only consider candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree. Still, after graduation, you may have a hard time finding a job as a forensic science technician. One of the best ways to ensure that you get a job offer in your field is to be flexible with where you intend to live and work.

According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following states have the highest number of forensic science technicians in relation to population:

Arizona
Florida
North Carolina
Nevada
Colorado

However, the states with the highest numbers aren’t necessarily the states with the highest annual wages, on average. If salary is more important to you than job availability, you should look to the following states (all average salaries are as of 2008):

Wisconsin: $83,440
Massachusetts: $76,560
Kansas: $76,060
Connecticut: $68,370
California: $65,160

If you’re willing to live in a city, rather than in a more rural area, you’ll find both a higher number of job openings and higher salaries. In rural areas, many police forces don’t have a local forensics laboratory and instead hire consultants when they need extra help, so there are very few job openings at any given time. Some have one or two forensic science technicians on staff, but the turnover rate in this industry isn’t high, so you may not find any good opportunities if you’re committed to staying in a single rural area. In larger cities, however, you’ll find entire units working in the forensic science field. The metropolitan areas with the most forensic scientists, as of 2008, are:

Raleigh – Cary, North Carolina
Richmond, Virginia
Austin – Round Rock, Texas
Santa Rosa – Petaluma, California
San Antonio, Texas

Looking for a high-paying job? The following metropolitan areas have the highest paid forensic science technicians, on average:

Boston – Cambridge – Quincy, Massachusetts: $76, 470
Santa Ana – Anaheim – Irvine, California: $74,600
Los Angeles – Long Beach – Glendale, California: $70,690
Oakland – Fremont – Hayward, California: $70,320
Washington – Arlington – Alexandria, DC/Virginia/Maryland: $68,930

Keep in mind that along with those higher salaries, you’ll be paying more for rent, transportation, food, and other necessities, so the bigger paychecks don’t always leave you with the most amount of money in your savings account at the end of the day. You’re often better off applying to jobs in cities and states hiring the most forensic scientists, rather than those with the highest average salaries in this industry.

No matter where you work, you can increase both your qualifications for forensic science jobs and your salary if you specialize. Today, many students seek jobs directly after getting a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, but if you go on to specialize with a master’s degree or get certification in a specific subject area, your resume will instantly shuffle to the top of the pile.

Top Online Forensic Tech Degree Programs

Forensic science, or forensics, is a rapidly growing field of criminal investigation whereby forensic technicians employ their technical skills in the field. To become a forensic scientist, students must obtain at least an associate's degree in fields such as criminal investigation, forensic psychology, criminal justice, and more.

You can use the form below to search over 1,000 accredited online degrees.

BS in Forensic Psychology BS in CSI	Kaplan University — At Kaplan University, students can get a forensic science bachelor's degree in two different concentrations: forensic psychology and crime scene investigation. No matter which program you choose, Kaplan will quickly prepare you for a career in forensic science.
AS in Criminal Investigations	Everest University Online — The criminal investigations degree from Everest University is offered online for busy adults who may already have other commitments that keep them out of class during normal hours. The flexible program will give students the skills they need to begin a criminal investigative career after graduation.
BS in Justice & Forensic Sci.	American InterContinental University — AICU's justice and forensic science program is designed to be a fast-track course that will help anyone segue into a job as a crime scene forensic science analyst after only one year of schooling.
MS in Forensic Psychology	University of Liverpool — The University of Liverpool MS in forensic psychology and criminal investigation program features a curriculum that explores research and academic knowledge, ethical issues, and practical communication skills of forensic psychology and criminal investigation. The program is one year in duration.
BCIS in Computer Forensics	DeVry University — DeVry University's online BCIS degree in computer forensics guides students through computer forensic software training, multi-level data recovery, encryption, and ethics. Those enrolled will maintain access to DeVry's virtual library and interactive study tools, with practical coursework focusing on evidence procedures, computer ethics, and more.
MS in Forensic Psychology	Walden University — Walden University offers their master's in forensic psychology degree program fully online. Students of this program will gain insights into how forensic psychologists work with the legal system on reducing criminal behavior within a community. A graduate of this program is well-equipped to become a psychologist in a correctional institution, mental health center, psychiatric facility, child welfare agency, and more.
AA in Criminal Justice BS in Criminal Justice	Liberty University — Liberty University offers two accredited degrees in the field of Forensic Science online in addition to their campus counterparts. Both the Associates and Bachelors programs in Criminal Justice offer an in-depth guide through the investigative process of the justice system. Students will come away with skills, knowledge, and resources they can apply to real-world problems and situations upon graduation.
BS/CJ in Computer Forensics	Strayer University — With the Strayer University BS in criminal justice degree with a concentration in computer security & forensics, students are awakened to the fascinating world of criminal justice. The curriculum focuses on the human reasonings behind adult and juvenile crimes. Classes cover core topics in information systems and security issues related to operating systems, networks, databases, and software programs.
BS in Crime Scene Investigation	South University — South University offers a bachelor's degree in crime scene investigation that allows students to study at their own pace as they work their way toward becoming a criminologist or forensic scientist.
MA in Forensic Psychology	Argosy University — For those looking for a quick and affordable way to further a career in forensics, the master's degree in forensic psychology offered by Argosy University is worth looking into. With flexible class hours over an online platform, Argosy is suited for ambitious professionals.
AA in Criminal Justice	University of Phoenix — The nation's top online university now offers an associate's degree in criminal justice, providing an affordable option to students seeking quality education in the field of forensic science.
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