A Rewarding Career: Salaries as a Forensics Professional
The Forensics field is one that offers a broad array of opportunities. From medical and crime scene examination, to forensic engineering and crime laboratory analysis, the field calls for a variety of skills embedded in this compelling career path.
One important aspect to consider when deliberating between career paths is compensation. The US average yearly salary for a medical examiner is $45,000. In the southern US, compensation runs slightly lower than most other regions with salaries in Louisiana, Alabama and South Carolina averaging out to $38,500.
Prospects for practitioners in the field improves when moving northward and westward as Michigan, Washington and California boast an average salary of $49,700. Though the region where medical examination professionals will tend to be compensated most handsomely is in the northeastern US, where average yearly salaries can reach $51,000-$53,000 in Maryland and New York respectively.
The crime scene examination profession offers prospects for higher salaries in the diagnostic field. Minnesota offers a notably higher salary bracket than most of its northern counterparts with average yearly compensation at $56,000. In the West, crime scene examination is a viable option in Oregon at $52,000/yr and a more lucrative $59,000/yr average in Washington and California.
If one is looking into the field from the South, Virginia is the place to be at $56,000/yr. If you are serious able making crime scene examination your profession, and are looking for a challenging career with generous pay, Washington DC is the city for you with an average salary reaching $71,000/yr.
Forensic engineering is a vital facet to the forensics field. Michigan and Illinois present conducive environments for those looking to enter this profession with average yearly salaries reaching $70,000. Georgia offers one of the most competitive pay-scales in the South with forensic engineers earning $63,000 annually. Those in Colorado can look to this field with expectations of making close to $71,000 annually, among the highest in the West; while those on the East coast should strongly consider Connecticut’s $79,000/yr salary when choosing a state to reside as a forensic engineer.
Finally, crime laboratory analysis presents a function of forensics for those that enjoy a more peaceful environ where the intricacies of the field present intellectual challenges. For those considering the field out west, Oregon and Arizona are good markets to explore with an average yearly salary of $59,500. Texas and North Carolina rank higher in southern states with average salaries reaching $57,000/yr. Ohio offers a rockin’ annual salary of $59,000 for those up north, and New Jersey boasts an impressive net annual salary of $72,000.
The forensics field is one that has proven to be in high demand. With competitive pay and a stimulating work environment, this profession promises to be one that is enriching and rewarding. To take the next step, search for current job openings that suit your background and location:
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