Forensic Investigator: Job Description & Salary 2025

Forensic investigators are an essential part of crime scene investigation and evidence analysis, and there are several specialties that forensic investigators can develop throughout their careers. Below, we'll discuss what exactly a forensic investigator does and give you details about how to start your own career in forensic investigation.

Forensic Investigator Job Description

A forensic investigator is someone who helps to collect, analyze, and document evidence from crime scenes. Common tasks forensic investigators complete on the job include accompanying law enforcement officials to crime scenes to photograph and collect evidence, compiling reports of evidence for court cases, and analyzing evidence to figure out the timeline of a crime.

Some forensic investigators may be involved in digital forensics, which involves looking through computers and other devices to recover documents, files, and photographs that may apply to a criminal case.

Forensic investigators are commonly responsible for the following:

• working alongside law enforcement agencies
• properly securing and monitoring evidence
• seizing data or evidence from crime scenes
• analyzing both physical and digital evidence
• documenting details of evidence and creating reports for legal cases

Benefits of Working in Forensic Investigation

Working as a forensic investigator can be fulfilling for many people, and there are several benefits to this profession. Forensic investigation positions are generally paid more highly than other professions within the criminal investigation field.

They bring a sense of fulfillment as they play a significant role in community safety and upholding criminal justice, as the data gathered and analyzed by forensic investigators is often used in criminal justice proceedings. Forensic investigation is also a fairly flexible field, allowing individuals to choose private or government positions and specific specialties under the forensic investigation umbrella.

Forensic Investigator Requirements

Every individual looking to work as a forensic investigator must have at least a bachelor's degree; however, the type of degree may depend on the role as forensic investigator educational requirements may vary.

For the majority of forensic investigator roles, you will need to obtain a degree in criminal justice or criminology - or a degree in a science-heavy discipline, such as biology or forensic science.

Most entry-level forensic investigators complete their education through on-the-job training, which helps them put their knowledge into context and learn how their specific jurisdiction handles forensic investigations and evidence collection. This means that they don't typically need extensive work experience when entering the field - many high school students interested in this career should simply focus on earning a degree before applying for jobs.

Some skills that can help forensic investigators be successful in their work include attention to detail, strong communication skills, analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills.

Forensic Scientist vs. Forensic Investigator

Though forensic scientists and forensic investigators may be considered the same, there is a significant difference between these two roles. A forensic scientist analyzes and evaluates items and traces collected at a crime science, such as human remains, blood, and other DNA evidence.

On the other hand, a forensic investigator examines a crime scene; they may act as crime scene investigators (CSI) in some areas. These individuals gather physical evidence from the crime scene for forensic scientists to evaluate. They also collect digital evidence when necessary and work closely with law enforcement to document crime scenes and evidence.

Careers in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, and Other Related Fields

Forensic investigators can work in a few different fields, and you may be able to pick a specialty as a forensic investigator. Some fields include forensic accounting, forensic anthropology, and digital forensics. Additionally, specialties for forensic investigators can include things like cybersecurity, toxicology, and ballistics.

Entry-Level Roles in Forensics

The following entry-level roles can help you work your way up to a forensic investigator position. It's also important to be sure that you have completed all basic educational requirements to qualify for each role.

• evidence technician
• laboratory technician or assistant
• forensic chemist
• cybersecurity apprentice
• crime scene technician
• biological analyst

The majority of these roles need a bachelor's degree, but as you work your way up from an entry-level role, you may need a master's degree to further your education.

Forensic Investigator Salary

A forensic investigator's salary can vary depending on the seniority of the position and other factors, like the specific employer and location of the job. On average, an entry-level forensic investigator position may have a starting pay of around $60,000 annually. Salaries on the lower end start around $40,000, while high-level, more experienced positions can pay $80,000 annually or more.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees in Forensic Science Today

If you want to be a forensic investigator, an online bachelor's degree in forensic science can be just the thing to get your career path started. Check out Learn.org for more information on which schools offer the online programs you need to complete your education and take your next career steps.