How Much Do Crime Scene Techs Make?
Crime scene technicians, also known as crime scene investigators (CSIs), play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by collecting and analyzing evidence at crime scenes. Their work is essential in helping investigators solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. But how much do crime scene techs make? In this article, we’ll explore the salary ranges for crime scene technicians in the United States.
Salary Ranges for Crime Scene Techs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for forensic science technicians, which includes crime scene technicians, was $61,920 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, employer, level of experience, and education.
Here are some average salary ranges for crime scene techs in the United States:
- Entry-level: $40,000 – $55,000 per year
- Experienced: $55,000 – $70,000 per year
- Senior-level: $70,000 – $85,000 per year
- Supervisory: $85,000 – $100,000 per year
Factors Affecting Salary
Several factors can impact the salary of a crime scene tech, including:
- Location: Salaries can vary significantly depending on the location. For example, crime scene techs working in major cities like New York or Los Angeles tend to earn higher salaries than those working in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Employer: Crime scene techs working for federal agencies, such as the FBI, tend to earn higher salaries than those working for local law enforcement agencies or private companies.
- Level of experience: More experienced crime scene techs tend to earn higher salaries than those just starting their careers.
- Education: Crime scene techs with advanced degrees, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, tend to earn higher salaries than those with only a high school diploma or associate’s degree.
- Certifications: Crime scene techs who have obtained specialized certifications, such as the Certified Forensic Technician (CFT) or the Certified Crime Scene Investigator (CCSI), may earn higher salaries than those without certifications.
Table: Average Salary Ranges for Crime Scene Techs by Location
| Location | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| New York City, NY | $60,000 – $80,000 per year |
| Los Angeles, CA | $55,000 – $75,000 per year |
| Chicago, IL | $50,000 – $70,000 per year |
| Houston, TX | $45,000 – $65,000 per year |
| Phoenix, AZ | $40,000 – $60,000 per year |
| Dallas, TX | $40,000 – $60,000 per year |
| San Antonio, TX | $35,000 – $55,000 per year |
| San Diego, CA | $35,000 – $55,000 per year |
| San Jose, CA | $30,000 – $50,000 per year |
Job Outlook and Growth
The job outlook for crime scene techs is positive, with the BLS predicting a 14% growth in employment opportunities from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for forensic services and the need for trained professionals to collect and analyze evidence.
Tips for Becoming a Crime Scene Tech
If you’re interested in becoming a crime scene tech, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Gain relevant education and training: Most crime scene techs have a bachelor’s degree in a field such as forensic science, biology, or chemistry. Look for programs that are accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).
- Get hands-on experience: Look for internships or volunteer opportunities at crime labs or law enforcement agencies to gain practical experience.
- Obtain certifications: Consider obtaining certifications such as the CFT or CCSI to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
- Network: Attend conferences and join professional organizations, such as the International Association for Identification (IAI), to network with other crime scene techs and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
Conclusion
Crime scene techs play a critical role in the criminal justice system, and their salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, employer, level of experience, and education. While salaries may not be as high as those in other fields, the job outlook is positive, and the work can be rewarding for those who are passionate about forensic science and justice. By gaining relevant education and training, obtaining certifications, and networking, you can set yourself up for success as a crime scene tech.
