Crime Lab Analyst
Crime lab analysts (as the name suggests) work primarily in crime laboratories, analyzing evidence. They perform scientific examinations of blood, drugs, firearms, and toxicological samples. Crime lab analysts also assist in autopsies. They collect drugs or poisons from blood and other body fluids, and they prepare blood alcohol proficiency samples. After collecting and analyzing samples, analysts report their findings to the appropriate law enforcement personnel. Typically, analysts work 40 hours per week in the crime lab, tacking on overtime as needed. When they are not in the lab, analysts might be found testifying on their findings or possible assisting other law enforcement officials in the field.
Training & Education
To work in most crime labs, analysts must possess a bachelor's in a natural science or other specialty, such as forensic science. If you are interested in becoming a crime lab analyst, one of the most relevant majors to pursue is chemistry. If you are interested in specializing in DNA testing, then you should consider majoring in biology with a genetics and/or biochemistry minor. Overall, aspiring crime lab analysts are shifting away from earning an undergraduate degree in forensic science. Instead, the new trend is for many individuals to obtain an undergraduate degree in a core science, followed by a master's degree in a forensic discipline. By doing so, crime lab analysts are not pigeonholing themselves; they may choose to work outside of the forensic sector if need be. At some crime labs, analysts are required to attend training programs.
Career & Salary Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies crime lab analysts under the broader title of forensic science technicians. The mean hourly wage for a forensic science technician is $25.46, with a mean annual salary of $52,960. The bottom 10 percent of forensic science technicians make $14.90 an hour, or $30,990 per year. The top 90 percent make $38.62 an hour, or $80,330 per year.
Salary is dependent upon your education, location, and employer. For instance, Arizona and Florida employ the largest number of forensic science technicians, but Wisconsin and Massachusetts are the two highest-paying states. Local and state governments are the major employers of such forensic professionals, and the federal government offers the highest mean hourly wage at $43.34. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be a 20 percent increase in forensic science technicians by 2018.
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Article Resources:
State of Louisiana: Department of Civil Service
Florida State University
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics