Forensic Chemist – Salary, Career Outlook & Job Description

For scientists interested in criminal justice, becoming a forensic chemist is a great career choice.

Forensic chemistry involves using scientific methods to investigate physical evidence. For example, forensic chemists fight crimes with science by analyzing evidence collected from crime scenes and giving testimonies based on laboratory test results. The analyses of the collected evidence help law enforcement determine the cause of a crime or who is at fault. Examples of analyzed evidence include DNA samples from substances such as hair and blood and rubble collected from a crime scene such as soil, paint chips, and broken glass.

In addition to chemistry, forensic chemists must know multiple disciplines, including biology, genetics, physics, toxicology, and materials science. A background in criminology is also helpful, and skills in public speaking and technical writing.

While some forensic chemists work in law enforcement crime laboratories rather than at actual crime scenes, they are also expected to present their findings in legal proceedings. These professionals are tasked with explaining technical-scientific analyses in a simplified and objective way. As a result, the judge, jury, and attorneys can understand their conclusive evidence and use the information to make determinations in criminal cases. Forensic chemists present analyzed evidence in an objective matter. While they serve as scientific and legal experts, they do not deliver verdicts in criminal cases.

Most forensic chemist positions require a bachelor’s degree, and leadership positions require a master’s or doctoral degree. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that most professionals working in related careers, such as forensic science technicians, occupy positions in local, state, or federal government laboratories. The BLS (2021) shows that 59 percent of forensic science techs work in local government.

Since the results can determine the cause of a crime or the person at fault for causing a crime, forensic scientists must be critical thinkers and objective communicators.

Read on to learn more about forensic chemists’ career outlook, salary, and job descriptions.

Career Outlook for Forensic Chemists

Aspiring forensic chemists can pursue this career knowing that this profession is growing. While the US Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t list specific occupational statistics for forensic chemists, the related role of forensic science technicians is growing twice as fast as the national average at 16 percent (BLS 2021). In fact, between 2020 and 2030, the BLS predicts 2,400 new positions will be added to the current 17,200 employed forensic science techs.

Forensic chemists who know how to utilize forensic DNA technology will be in demand in the coming years. According to Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (2020), forensic chemists can bring justice to unsolved murders with a high degree of accuracy using DNA sequencing technology. The use of emerging DNA technology in law enforcement, which is emerging as a standard in government forensic laboratories, is expected to contribute to the continued growth of this career.

Forensic Chemist Salary

Salary data is determined by several factors, including a candidate’s years of experience, educational background, and multidisciplinary training. Below is a breakdown of salary data for forensic chemists by average, percentiles, years of experience, top-paying sectors, top-paying states, and cities in the United States.

Forensic Chemist Average Salary & Percentiles

The BLS lists the median annual salary of forensic science technicians—a position related to forensic chemists—as $60,590 (BLS 2021). However, self-reported salary data from PayScale.com (2022) shows the average annual salary of forensic chemists to be $54,801 based on 44 reported salaries.

The BLS (2021) also reports the following annual salary data for forensic science technician salaries in the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles:

• 10th percentile: $36,630
• 50th percentile (median): $60,590
• 90th percentile: $100,910

Forensic Chemist Salary By Years of Experience & Sector

Salary data from PayScale.com (2022) reports average annual salary data, based on years of experience, for professionals working in forensic chemist positions as:

• Entry-level (less than one year of experience): $50,937
• Early-career (one to four years of experience): $49,409
• Mid-career (five to nine years of experience): $60,000
• Experienced: (10 to 19 years of experience): $55,000

Here is a list of average annual salaries for the top-paying industries for forensic science technicians (BLS May 2020):

• Federal government (OEWS designation): $120,780
• General medical and surgical hospitals: $75,720
• Architectural, engineering, and related services: $66,040
• Local government, excluding education and hospitals: $65,840
• State government, excluding education and hospitals: $64,770

Forensic Chemist Salary By Region

Below is a list of the states paying the highest salaries for forensic science technicians, the number of employed professionals in each state, and the average annual salary (BLS May 2020):

In 2021, the American Chemical Society (ACS) published the results of its annual salary survey, which represents self-reported salary data from 4,565 ACS members. This data provides region-specific salary data for chemists in the United States. Interestingly, the responses from 2020 show that chemists with bachelor’s degrees earned more than chemists with master’s and doctoral degrees.

How to Become a Forensic Chemist

Here is a step-by-step guide to becoming a forensic chemist.

Step One: Graduate from High School (Four Years)

To get accepted into a reputable college or university, high school students are encouraged to take as many courses as possible in mathematics, science, and public speaking. In addition, students who want to stand out to college admissions committees should consider participating in extracurricular activities such as science fair projects focused on forensic science and volunteer activities to gain teamwork experience.

Step Two: Apply to an Accredited Bachelor’s Degree Program

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) keeps a list of forensic science educational programs. Forensic chemists typically choose to major in natural sciences or specialized forensic science bachelor’s degree programs.

The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) maintains a list of accredited forensic chemistry programs. The mission of FEPAC is to “maintain and enhance the quality of forensic science education through formal evaluation and recognition of college-level academic programs.” Forensic chemistry programs accredited by FEPAC have met rigorous accreditation standards for undergraduate and graduate study, which gives prospective students and employers confidence in the quality of educational programs offered.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Mississippi offers a FEPAC-accredited degree program in forensic chemistry. Students in this program apply scientific principles to physical evidence from crime scenes and learn to explain and defend their results.

Step Three: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited Forensic or Natural Science Program (Four to Five Years)

The Department of Chemistry at Buffalo State University – SUNY is nationally accredited by FEPAC and offers a four-year bachelor’s degree in forensic chemistry. Students in this program gain a solid theoretical and practical education emphasizing analytical techniques. The goal is to prepare highly-competent forensic chemists for future careers in the latest DNA analysis techniques.

Step Four: Apply to an Accredited Master’s Degree Program

Students who want to stand out on their graduate school applications should consider internship opportunities offered during bachelor’s degree programs. Some educational programs require internships with local police and medical examiners offices as part of their graduation requirements. Internships are often unpaid but can offer college credit and valuable on-the-job experience, helping future forensic chemists determine areas of specialization.

The Department of Forensic Sciences at George Washington University offers a FEPAC-accredited master of forensic science with a concentration in forensic chemistry. This program has a well-established reputation for excellence, and its proximity to national security in Washington D.C. offers excellent internships and employment opportunities.

Step Five: Earn a Master’s Degree in Forensic Science (Two Years)

The Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is one of only 16 programs accredited by FEPAC and offers a two-year master of science in forensic science program. This two-year program prepares its graduates for careers in multiple forensic sciences through conventional analytical laboratory work and applying scientific methodologies to legal proceedings.

With an 80 percent job placement rate for students graduating in 2020, alumni of this program have pursued work in forensic science laboratories operated by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This program features teaching faculty from related academic disciplines and local law enforcement and DNA profiling laboratories. Faculty in this program are known for their research emphases in drug chemistry and DNA identification forensic aspects.

Step Six: Apply for Forensic Chemist Positions (Timeline Varies)

Graduates from undergraduate or graduate programs should hone their professional networking connections made from internships, interactions with teaching faculty, and classmates to land forensic chemistry positions after graduation. Organizations such as the American Chemical Society (ASC) provide continuing education courses and career opportunities, and graduates are encouraged to join a professional society for these valuable networking resources.

A Day in the Life of a Forensic Chemist: Job Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of a forensic chemist is to collect and analyze evidence in support of criminal investigation efforts. Forensic chemists also analyze the evidence in laboratory settings and sometimes collect evidence at actual crime scenes. Testifying in legal proceedings is required in some forensic chemist positions.

Below are some examples of the tasks and responsibilities of forensic chemists in three employment settings: crime scenes, laboratories, and courtrooms. Examples of forensic chemist laboratory tasks include:

• Conducting chemical analyses on evidence collected from crime scenes
• Determining possible fault in criminal cases by examining evidence under a microscope or with computerized DNA analysis
• Conferring with other professionals in related fields such as law enforcement, medical examination, and toxicology
• Writing laboratory reports summarizing the results of evidence analysis
• Reconstructing the physical aspects of a crime scene using models, drawings, or 3D imaging technology
• Testifying the validity of criminal evidence in legal proceedings

Examples of forensic chemist crime scene tasks include:

• Assessing a crime scene for evidence
• Drawing sketches of crime scenes
• Collecting evidence that forensic science techs can evaluate, including DNA samples, rubble, weapons
• Taking photographs at crime scenes and of collected evidence
• Labeling and securing collected evidence to be analyzed in laboratories

Examples of forensic chemist courtroom tasks include:

• Providing testimony to the validity of collected and analyzed evidence from a crime scene
• Serving as an expert witness in legal proceedings on behalf of government organizations

Forensic Chemist Certification

The BLS reports a wide range of certifications available for forensic science technicians. Certification requirements vary for each forensic position and have special eligibility, continuing education, and renewal requirements.

The American Board of Criminalists (ABC) offers six types of certification for forensic science professionals. Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements, which include a bachelor’s degree in natural science from an accredited institution and at least two years of professional experience, can apply to take these certification exams:

• Biological Evidence Screening (ABC-BIO)
• Comprehensive Criminalistics (ABC-CC)
• Drug Analysis (ABC-DA)
• Forensic DNA (ABC-DNA)
• Molecular Biology (ABC-MB)
• Fire Debris Analysis (ABC-FD)
• Hair and Fiber (ABC-HF)
• Paint and Polymer (ABC-PP)

The American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) also offers several levels of certifications that could be of use to forensic chemists. To be eligible, an applicant must prove their engagement in the field of forensic toxicology. Certificates are valid for five years, and credential holders can renew by providing proof of annual continuing education and paying a $100 annual fee.