Oregon Labor Market Information System
Occupational Information Center
Occupational Report for Forensic Science Technicians (19-4092) , Oregon Statewide
Occupational Description

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

Employment Outlook for Forensic Science Technicians
Statewide Employment Analysis 2006 employment is estimated to be somewhat smaller than the statewide average. This occupation is expected to grow at a somewhat slower rate than the statewide average. Total job openings are projected to be somewhat lower than the statewide average.

Limited employment opportunities exist for trained workers.

Data Sources and Limitations
Current Job Openings for Forensic Science Technicians There are no openings for this occupation.
State of Oregon License Information for Forensic Science Technicians
License License Authority Web Site
Polygraph Examiner - Trainee oregon.gov/DPSST/SC/index.shtml
Polygraph Examiner - General oregon.gov/DPSST/SC/index.shtml
Wages for Forensic Science Technicians
Region ---------------- 2009 Wages ----------------
Percentiles (hourly wages) Avg
Hourly
($/hr)
Avg
Annual
10th 25th 50th
(median)
75th 90th
Oregon Statewide $16.60 $21.33 $27.02 $32.28 $37.46 $26.72 $55,579
Benton / Lincoln / Linn 13.69 15.28 23.07 34.73 38.69 24.49 50,944
Data Sources and Limitations
Regional Employment Projections for Forensic Science Technicians
Region Employment Change % Change Projected Annual Openings
2006 2016 Growth Replacement Total
Oregon Statewide 182 200 18 9.9% 2 5 6
Multnomah / Washington 121 129 8 6.6% 1 3 4
Lane 18 20 2 11.1% 0 0 1
Clackamas 10 11 1 10.0% 0 0 0
Jackson / Josephine 9 10 1 11.1% 0 0 0
Marion / Polk / Yamhill 8 9 1 12.5% 0 0 0
Crook / Deschutes / Jefferson 5 5 0 0.0% 0 0 0
Benton / Lincoln / Linn 4 4 0 0.0% 0 0 0
Morrow / Umatilla 2 2 0 0.0% 0 0 0
Baker / Union / Wallowa 1 1 0 0.0% 0 0 0
Grant / Harney / Malheur 1 1 0 0.0% 0 0 0

Replacement openings are caused by existing workers permanently leaving their occupation. Many additional job openings occur due to job changes within occupations.
Data Sources and Limitations
Industries of Employment for Forensic Science Technicians
Industry
Click links to view infoUSA employers
Ownership 2006
Employment
Total, All Industries All 182
Total, All Industries State 70
Public Administration State 70
Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities State 70
Total, All Industries Local 104
Public Administration Local 104
Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support Local 104
Educational Requirements for Forensic Science Technicians Workers must have a bachelor's degree to gain the necessary skills for this occupation. However, those with a master's degree have a competitive advantage in this labor market.
Skills for Forensic Science Technicians
  • Analyze Blood Samples
  • Analyze Evidence
  • Apply Basic Chemistry
  • Apply Chemical Laboratory Tests
  • Apply Chemistry Theory
  • Apply Mathematics To Statistical Modeling
  • Apply Quality Assurance Techniques
  • Apply Research Methodology To Science Or Engineering
  • Apply Rules Of Evidence
  • Apply Statistical Methods
  • Conduct Chemical Analyses
  • Conduct Field Research
  • Conduct Investigations And Research
  • Conduct Laboratory Research
  • Conduct Polygraph Examinations
  • Conduct Quantitative Analysis
  • Design Tables Depicting Data
  • Develop And Revise Databases
  • Explain Complex Mathematical Information
  • Follow Hazardous Materials Specifications
  • Follow Safety Procedures
  • Gather Physical Evidence
  • Identify And Analyze Handwriting
  • Identify Fingerprints
  • Identify Firearms And Weapons
  • Interpret Computerized Data And Reports
  • Label And Process Blood Samples
  • Operate Cameras
  • Operate Precision Measuring Devices, Tools And Equipment
  • Prepare Reports In Timely Manner
  • Process Records And Maintain Forms And Files
  • Research Work-Related Topics Using Library Resources
  • Understand, Use, And Communicate Technical Information
  • Use Algebra
  • Use Biological Testing Instruments
  • Use Calculus
  • Use Geometry
  • Use Metric System
  • Use Physical Science Research Techniques
  • Work As A Team Member
Schools and Training Providers for Forensic Science Technicians No programs of training are associated with this occupation.
Career Pathway Roadmaps for Forensic Science Technicians These Oregon community colleges have defined career pathway roadmaps to facilitate entry into this occupation:

Umpqua Community College
Related Occupations The scores listed below indicates how closely the skills for Forensic Science Technicians matches the occupation in the list. A score of 100% means the occupations have identical skill sets. A maximum of 10 occupations are displayed below.
Occupation Skill Overlap
Environmental Science And Protection Technicians, Including Health 52%
Life, Physical, And Social Science Technicians, All Other 48%
Geological And Petroleum Technicians 39%
Chemical Technicians 39%
Biological Technicians 38%
Agricultural And Food Science Technicians 37%
Life Scientists, All Other 33%
Biochemists And Biophysicists 31%
Microbiologists 30%
Animal Scientists 30%