phd in forensic science salary

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The average salary of forensic scientist with a phd.

Police departments depend on forensic scientists to analyze physical evidence and DNA from crime scenes and determine possible links between suspects and crimes. They may also reconstruct crime scenes or consult with coroners to derive their conclusions on crimes. If you want to become a forensic scientists, you need at least a bachelor's degree in forensic or natural science. With a PhD, you may earn a higher salary, but it will vary depending on the state or district in which you work.

Salary Over $60,000

The average salary for a forensic scientist with a PhD was $65,000 as of 2014, according to the job site Simply Hired. Along with a bachelor's degree, you may also need to train at the police academy, as many forensic scientists who work for local police departments do, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other essential requirements for the job are composure, an attention to detail and critical-thinking, writing, speaking and problem-solving skills.

Top Pay in D.C.

In 2014, average salaries for forensic scientists with PhDs varied the most in the South, according to Simply Hired, where they earned the lowest salaries of $51,000 in Mississippi and the highest of $103,000 in Washington, D.C. If you worked as a forensic scientist with a PhD in the West, you would make $52,000 in Montana or $74,000 in Alaska or California, which represented the lowest and highest salaries in that region. In the Northeast, you would average $59,000 to $79,000 in Maine or Massachusetts, respectively. Forensic scientists with PhDs in the Midwest earned the least in South Dakota and the most in Minnesota at $51,000 and $69,000, respectively.

PhD Worth $19,000 More Than Bachelor's

While forensic scientists with PhDs made $65,000 in 2014, those with master's degrees earned $61,000 the same year, according to Simply Hired, while forensic scientists with bachelor's degrees made $46,000. In comparison, forensic science technicians earned average annual salaries of $55,730 as of May 2012, according to the BLS. Forensic science technicians who worked in medical diagnostic labs earned $66,390 per year, according to 2012 BLS data. They made $55,950 at local government agencies, which includes metropolitan police departments.

Below-Average Job Growth

The BLS estimates a 6 percent increase in employment for forensic science technicians, including forensic scientists with PhDs, from 2012 to 2022, which is statistically below-average compared to the 14 percent national rate for all occupations. Advances in DNA technology and a growing interest in forensic analysis in courtrooms should increase jobs for all forensic scientists.

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• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: How to Become a Forensic Science Technician
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Forensic Science Technicians: Job Outlook
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics: Forensic Science Technicians
• Simply Hired: Average Forensic Scientist With PhD Salaries
• Simply Hired: Average Forensic Scientist With Masters Salaries
• Simply Hired: Average Forensic Scientist With Bachelors Salaries
• Simply Hired: Average Forensic Scientist With PhD Salaries in ME, NY and MA
• Simply Hired: Average Forensic Scientist With PhD Salaries in MT, AK and CA
• Simply Hired: Average Forensic Scientist With PhD Salaries in SD, IL and MN
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: What Forensic Science Technicians Do
• American Academy of Forensic Sciences: Information Site

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Forensic Scientist Salary

How much does a Forensic Scientist make? The average Forensic Scientist salary is $110,227 as of March 26, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $100,206 and $122,824 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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How to Become a Forensic Scientist

Forensic science is a field that focuses on using scientific methods to address legal disputes.

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Many forensic scientists work for government-run crime laboratories, and some work for law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

When a serious crime such as a murder occurs, the identity of the perpetrator may not be obvious. In whodunit scenarios, where it is unclear who is responsible for wrongdoing, forensic science often provides the key to solving the mystery.

How Long It Takes to Get a Ph.D. Degree

Ilana Kowarski Aug. 12, 2019

What Is Forensic Science? A Definition

Forensic science is a practical academic discipline that involves solving puzzles. Forensic scientists use their knowledge of basic science fields like biology, chemistry and physics to investigate questions with legal implications, such as inquiries about who is at fault for a particular incident or what caused an injury.

For example, forensic science could clarify whether and when someone was poisoned, and it could indicate whether a particular gun had been used in a homicide.

"It's all about traceable, detailed investigations to solve a problem or solve a crime," says Catherine Jordan, who has a Ph.D. degree in organic chemistry and spent nine years working as a forensic scientist. Jordan previously worked for Minton, Treharne & Davies, an international scientific testing and inspection service provider.

Jennifer Shen – former director of the police department crime lab in San Diego, California – emphasizes that forensic science is "first and foremost, a science" and notes that a person needs some kind of scientific education in order to work as a forensic scientist.

Qualities Needed to Become a Forensic Scientist

A science degree is necessary, but not sufficient, for a career as a forensic scientist. The ability to pass a background check is critical, warns Daniele Podini, chair of the department of forensic sciences at George Washington University , where he is also an associate professor.

Podini also suggests that because forensic scientists often encounter disturbing imagery and hear troubling stories, they need to be able to emotionally detach themselves and keep a level head.

According to Jordan, analytical skills are necessary for success in forensic science. In addition, because forensic scientists often serve as expert witnesses in criminal and civil court cases and frequently testify before judges and juries, they must be eloquent enough to "present their findings well enough to stand up in court," Jordan says.

Though associate and bachelor's degrees are sufficient for certain basic forensic science jobs, high-level jobs in the field usually require a master's degree , and some roles cannot be obtained without a doctorate, experts say.

Because the profession is one that many workers consider glamorous, competition for jobs tends to be fierce, Shen says. Anyone who hopes to gain employment in this sector ought to present themselves to employers in a polished way in order to maximize their chances of getting hired, she adds.

Anita Zannin, a forensic scientist who owns AZ Forensic Associates LLC, a forensic consulting firm in New York, notes that objectivity is essential within the forensic science field.

"Individuals should not get into this field to 'put bad guys away' – it should be just as rewarding to assist in exonerating someone who has been wrongfully accused," Zannin, who earned a master's degree in forensic science from Syracuse University , wrote in an email. "While we are all human, and may have opinions about an individual’s guilt or innocence, that opinion CANNOT play into a scientist’s evaluation of the evidence."

What an Aspiring Forensic Scientist Should Study

Though it is possible for someone to become a forensic scientist if he or she has a degree in a related academic discipline, having a forensic science degree is helpful when competing for jobs in that field, according to experts. Graduate-level credentials can increase someone's odds of advancement within the profession, since technical lead positions often require a master's and some lab director jobs cannot be acquired without a Ph.D. degree, experts suggest.

Forensic science students can expect to take a combination of science classes, including courses in genetics, biochemistry and microscopy, and should anticipate spending a lot of time in the laboratory. They also typically learn how to follow lab protocols and write forensic reports. Graduate students in forensic science programs usually specialize within a particular area of forensic science, such as forensic biology or forensic chemistry.

Forensic Science Careers

Forensic scientists are often employed by federal, state, city or local governments. Many work for government-run crime laboratories, and some work for law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation .

They sometimes work at private-sector labs and occasionally work independently, says Zannin, who also earned bachelor's degrees in forensic chemistry and criminal justice. While forensic scientists typically focus on criminal matters, she explains, they can be involved with civil litigation, serving as expert witnesses in courtroom disputes over product liability and personal injuries.

The median annual salary among U.S. forensic science technicians was $59,150 as of May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Technician positions typically require a bachelor's degree, the bureau states.

Someone who advances from a technician position to a management role may earn significantly more money. According to the bureau, the median salary among natural sciences managers – people who supervise lab scientists – was $129,100 in May 2019.

Shen says one advantage of forensic science jobs, compared with other science positions, is that scientists in these roles often see immediate results from their labor – something that is rare in other branches of science such as biology . There is also something fulfilling about performing a public service by revealing the truth about what happened in a particular case, she adds.

Podini notes that forensic science jobs often involve significant pressure, since sometimes a backlog of evidence needs to be processed and accuracy is paramount.

"You don't want to make mistakes, because these mistakes can then have an effect on people's lives," he says.

A significant benefit of being a forensic scientist, Podini says, is that "what you do benefits society and is very important for society."

He adds that DNA analysis can lead to wonderful results. "A family can find closure, or a victim can find closure, or an innocent suspect is exonerated, or a person that might hurt others is apprehended and taken off the street."

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Ph.D. in Forensic Science

The Ph.D. in Forensic Science program is only the second such program in the United States and has a much wider scope than that of the M.S. program. The major emphasis of the program is the development and completion of a research problem that involves advanced techniques and concepts, culminating in an oral defense of the Ph.D. dissertation. Ph.D. students take a common core of advanced forensic science courses and additional courses as deemed necessary by their dissertation committees.

The objective of the Ph.D. program in Forensic Science is to prepare students to work as professionals in academia, government laboratories, or private industry as laboratory specialists. Through a core of advanced course work and a requisite independently executed research project, the program is designed to provide students with the skills needed to critically assess the current state of knowledge within the field, and to solve complex problems at the frontier of the discipline.

Because of the lack of doctoral programs nationally in forensic science, the offering of a Ph.D. program in Forensic Science at WVU establishes the department’s position as a leader in this critically important area of study. The program is strongly science-based and prepares students to work across the foundations of criminalistics: students learn the underpinnings of the discipline, research design, quantitative methods, statistical analysis, and communication skills such as scientific writing and presenting. Since students may enter the program with a wide array of backgrounds, Ph.D. candidates typically enroll in a common core of advanced forensic science courses, followed by additional courses as deemed necessary by their dissertation committees.

The program for the Ph.D. degree reflects a combination of prescriptive coursework as well as a flexible, research-oriented approach geared to develop the interests, capability, and potential of the student. In addition to the curriculum for the M.S. degree, doctoral students are required to take three additional core courses and two colloquium courses. These courses present the essentials of a given discipline on an advanced level and expose the student to the frontiers in a specific area of research. The course offerings are designed to provide guidelines from which students can launch their independent research projects. Ph.D. students are required to enroll and participate in the departmental seminar program for at least four semesters. By doing so, it is anticipated that they will serve as role models for the graduate students in the M.S. program.

Requirements for Application

• Personal statement
• GRE taken within the last seven years with a score of 300 or better
• Academic transcripts
• Research writing example of a peer-reviewed publication or thesis 
• If you wish to submit an alternative document for review, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator, Tina Moroose , to determine suitability.
• Three letters of recommendation 
• All references must be familiar with, and able to comment on, the applicant’s academic and/or research skill set

Application Deadline

Although early review of applications will begin December 15, the application deadline for the Ph.D. program is January 15. Late admissions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Application to WVU

For additional information, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator at: [email protected] or 304-293-5346

How to Become a Forensic Scientist | Salary & Requirements 2024

Whether working alongside law enforcement at crime scenes or analyzing evidence in laboratories, forensic scientists play a critical role in criminal investigations. Forensic scientists utilize a toolbox of science-based skills and specialized knowledge that they obtain through various undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Often a fulfilling career, these professionals can expect this field to grow by  as much as 16%  over the next decade.

On the following page, we explore what forensic scientists do, their career prospects, and the steps you’ll take to begin your career. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting and growing career.

What Do Forensic Scientists Do?

Forensic scientists work alongside law enforcement and assist in criminal investigations. These professionals help collect and analyze evidence and, depending on their specialization, work with crime scenes or in a laboratory setting. Forensic science generalists—also known as criminalists—perform a broad range of duties while utilizing their own set of specialized skills. 

Forensic science professionals who primarily work in laboratory settings often have job titles such as forensic chemist or forensic biologist. We’ve highlighted some standard job requirements below.

• Analyze crime scenes and collect evidence
• Diligently record information and observations at crime scenes
• Document and photograph crime scenes and evidence
• Use databases to catalog evidence
• Perform various biological and chemical tests on evidence
• Collaborate with professionals in other fields such as odontologists and toxicologists

Forensic Scientist Salary and Career Outlook

According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics  (BLS), forensic science technicians earn a median annual salary of nearly $62,000. And while projections don’t guarantee job growth, students preparing for a career in forensic science can anticipate a career field that’s projected to grow by 16% between 2020 and 2030. 

But that median income only tells part of the story—a forensic scientist’s location, experience, and specific role can significantly impact how much they earn. Top earning forensic science technicians earn more than $100,000 per year.

Forensic science technicians work for various governmental employers at the state and local levels. These professionals also find themselves working in various testing, medical, and diagnostic laboratories. 

Alongside earning a bachelor’s degree, forensic science professionals can expand career opportunities and earning potential through various certificate programs, professional certifications, and graduate degrees.

How to Know if You Would Enjoy a Job as a Forensic Scientist Field

Before embarking on your forensic science career, it’s worth considering whether or not this career is a solid choice. Forensic science students typically have a knack for STEM-based coursework with an interest in working in a collaborative, lab-based environment. Prospective forensic scientists should also feel comfortable working alongside law enforcement.

Some common skills for forensic scientists include critical thinking, decision-making, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail. As with many careers, computer proficiency, time management, and communications skills are also essential. Future forensic scientists should also recognize that they will likely encounter violent crime scenes and human loss.

Steps to Becoming a Forensic Scientist

While there’s not a single path toward becoming a forensic scientist, you’ll need to secure at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably a  forensic science degree  or  biology degree . Additionally, some students pursue graduate degrees or professional certificates to enhance their career options. In the following section, we outline the step you need to take when pursuing a career in forensic science.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Forensic Scientist?

Forensic scientists traditionally hold at least a bachelor’s degree in forensic science. Students can complete these 120-credit programs in about four years and tackle core classes that include topics such as criminal procedure, criminalistics, and digital forensics. 

Those holding a bachelor’s degree who want to enhance their credentials or start a new career can enroll in a master’s program in forensic science. These programs typically take two years to complete, but online programs often allow distance learners to earn their degrees more quickly. Standard master’s coursework covers topics like forensic biology, forensic accounting, and organizational information systems.

Forensic science graduates also have access to a sizeable list of graduate certificate programs. These certificate programs cover topics such as death investigation, toxicology, drug chemistry, and DNA and serology. 

What is the Difference Between Forensic Scientists and Criminalists?

Discerning the difference between forensic scientists and criminalists can be tricky. This is further muddied because  the BLS  lumps forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, and criminalists together. In short, criminalists are a professional subset that falls under the umbrella of forensic science. Other specializations include forensic computer examiners, digital forensic analysts, forensic biologists, and forensic chemists.

• Forensic scientists assist in criminal investigations and utilize specialized training to analyze crime scenes, collect evidence, and catalog their findings. Additionally, some of these professionals work in a laboratory setting and perform various chemical and biological examinations.
• Individuals interested in a forensic science career traditionally hold a four-year bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a related field. Some students also pursue graduate-level degrees to enhance career options and expand earning potential.
• The amount forensic scientists can earn depends on various factors, including education, experience, professional certifications, and location. That said, the median income for forensic science technicians is nearly  $62,000 per year .
• Pursuing a forensic science career is a solid choice for individuals with a knack for STEM coursework and a desire to work alongside law enforcement. According to the BLS, forensic science technician jobs are projected to grow by 16% between 2020 and 2030.

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How much money can you make with a forensic science degree?

Which careers have the most earning potential for forensic science graduates?

After graduation, forensic science graduates typically earn high salaries compared to the national average. Top earners make $ 75,099 , while the bottom 20% make close r to $ 35,381 . The median grad salary is $ 51,547 .

Forensic Science graduate salaries over time

The typical early career salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science is $ 31,232 , and within five years of graduation, this average salary goes up to $ 46,423 .

This chart maps the average workforce wage by years of experience:

Wage ($USD)

Years of work experience.

Pro tip Still unsure if a degree in forensic science is your calling? Read our comprehensive guide on choosing a career

Discover what you’ll learn—and what you can do after you graduate.

Forensic Science

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The Ultimate Guide to Forensic Science Salaries (2021-22): By Location, Field, and Experience

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Forensics is the use of techniques or scientific tests in order to detect crime. This broad field encompasses professionals from lab technicians to IT professionals to doctors and even police officers. Work can be performed in a lab, out in the field, in an office, or one-on-one with clients or victims. Given the wide variety of jobs in forensics, salaries vary widely.

Aspiring forensic professionals are typically curious and detail-oriented. While they may choose to enter this career because they are interested in solving crimes, salary is also a consideration.

The primary variation for wages is in the role held. For example, forensic science technicians and arson investigators earn on the lower end for forensic professionals, while pathologists, pathologists’ assistants, and information security analysts earn the most. However, all forensics jobs listed in this guide pay more than the average annual salary for all professions, as calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Other variations in pay for forensics scientists come from the level of education completed. Within a specific role, such as a forensic science technician, professionals can hold anywhere from a bachelor’s degree to a doctorate. The level of education required will depend on the responsibilities required from a given employer and the type of investigation completed. Forensics professionals with advanced degrees typically earn more than their counterparts who have an undergrad.

Location can also factor into how much a forensic science professional gets paid. For the jobs covered in this guide, California and Alaska typically were among the top-paying states. In fact, California is listed in seven out of the eight jobs as the highest-paying state. Generally speaking, jobs in metropolitan areas will earn more than those in rural communities.

Most of the jobs in forensic science are growing faster than the national average of 4 percent between 2019 and 2029. Some jobs are just above average, such as detectives which sit at 5 percent, and others are growing at more than three times the national average, such as forensic science technicians, who are projected to grow 14 percent during that decade.

Continue reading to learn specifics about the salaries for different jobs in forensic science.

How Much Do Forensic Science Technicians Make?

Including crime scene investigators, forensic scientists, criminalists, forensic chemists, and forensic entomologists

Number of forensic science technicians: 16,640

• Average (mean): $64,890
• 10th percentile: $36,630
• 25th percentile:$46,460
• 50th percentile (median): $60,590
• 75th percentile: $79,330
• 90th percentile: $100,910

Top-Paying States:

• California $88,090 average
• Illinois $85,690
• Massachusetts $79,200
• Oregon $76,970
• Alaska $74,100

Top-Paying Industries:

• Federal Executive Branch $120,790 average
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals $75,720
• Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services $66,040
• Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals $65,840
• State Government, excluding schools and hospitals $64,770

How Much Do Detectives Make?

Number of detectives: 105,980

• Average (mean): $89,300
• 10th percentile: $46,020
• 25th percentile: $59,620
• 50th percentile (median): $86,940
• 75th percentile: $111,900
• 90th percentile: $146,000
• Alaska $126,340 average
• Maryland $113,500
• Hawaii $113,150
• California $111,480
• New Jersey $106,120
• Federal Executive Branch $111,880 average
• Postal Service (federal government) $104,300
• Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals $81,770
• Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals $77,120
• Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools $72,410

How Much Do Police Officers Make?

Number of police officers: 654,900

• Average (mean): $70,000
• 10th percentile: $38,420
• 25th percentile: $48,950
• 50th percentile (median): $65,540
• 75th percentile: $86,880
• 90th percentile: $109,040
• California $107,440 average
• New Jersey $90,700
• Alaska $88,120
• Washington $82,740
• Hawaii $81,460
• State Government, excluding schools and hospitals $77,230 average
• Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals $69,940
• Federal Executive Branch $62,050
• Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools $59,790
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals $59,700

How Much Do Information Security (Cybersecurity) Analysts Make?

Number of information security analysts: 138,000

• Average (mean): $107,580
• 10th percentile: $60,060
• 25th percentile: $78,440
• 50th percentile (median): $103,590
• 75th percentile: $132,890
• 90th percentile: $163,300
• California $125,990 average
• New York $125,920
• New Jersey $123,280
• District of Columbia $119,460
• Virginia $116,920
• Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses $132,150 average
• Other Information Services $131,050
• Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing $128,330
• Automotive Repair and Maintenance $127,150
• Legal Services $125,980

How Much Do Pathologists’ Assistants Make?

Number of physicians’ assistants (BLS classification for pathologists’ assistants): 125,280

• Average (mean): $116,080
• 10th percentile: $76,700
• 25th percentile: $95,730
• 50th percentile (median): $115,390
• 75th percentile: $135,220
• 90th percentile: $162,470
• Alaska $150,430 average
• Connecticut $146,110
• Rhode Island $135,800
• California $135,180
• Nevada $134,710
• Personal Care Services $144,260 average
• Outpatient Care Centers $128,820
• Scientific Research and Development Services $124,400
• Employment Services $120,400
• Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities $119,970

How Much Do Pathologists or Medical Examiners Make?

Number of physicians (BLS classification for pathologists or medical examiners): 375,390

• Average (mean): $218,850
• 10th percentile: $61,380
• 25th percentile: $126,470
• 50th percentile (median): >$208,000 per year
• 75th percentile: >$208,000 per year
• 90th percentile: >$208,000 per year

Please note that the BLS does not give specific figures for ranges in excess of $208,000.

• Maine $279,700 average
• Montana $271,560
• South Dakota $269,100
• Alaska $266,200
• Wyoming $263,540
• Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services >$208,000 average
• Health and Personal Care Stores $274,930
• Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities $267,430
• Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services $259,320
• Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories $258,490

How Much Do Arson Investigators Make?

Number of arson investigators (fire inspectors and investigators): 14,010

• Average (mean): $67,680
• 10th percentile: $39,860
• 25th percentile: $50,230
• 50th percentile (median): $64,610
• 75th percentile: $81,800
• 90th percentile: $100,780
• California $109,850 average
• Idaho $103,310
• Oregon $99,630
• Washington $96,660
• Nevada $90,550
• Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services $101,000 average
• Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing $76,360
• Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services $71,970
• Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals $69,010
• Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities $68,580

How Much Do Forensic Nurse Examiners Make?

Number of registered nurses (BLS classification for forensic nurse examiners): 2,986,500

• Average (mean): $80,010
• 10th percentile: $53,410
• 25th percentile: $61,630
• 50th percentile (median): $75,330
• 75th percentile: $93,590
• 90th percentile: $116,230
• California $120,560 average
• Hawaii $104,830
• Massachusetts $96,250
• Oregon $96,230
• Alaska $95,270
• Business Support Services $106,670 average
• Federal Executive Branch $96,230
• Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing $92,110
• Other Investment Pools and Funds $91,990
• Office Administrative Services $89,490

Kimmy Gustafson

Kimmy Gustafson’s expertise and passion for investigative storytelling extends to the world of forensics, where she brings a wealth of knowledge and captivating narratives to readers seeking insights into this intriguing world. She has interviewed experts on little-known topics, such as how climate crimes are investigated and prosecuted, and has written for ForensicsColleges.com since 2019.

Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.

• Pathologists’ Assistant
• DNA Analyst
• Forensic Scientist
• Forensic Pathologist
• Forensic Medical Examiner
• Forensic Technician
• Forensic Autopsy Technician
• Forensic Science
• Forensic Engineering
• Forensic Pathology
• Forensic Tech
• PhD in Forensic Science

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