DNA Analyst Job Description, Education Requirements & Salary

Imagine being the only one who can finally put a criminal behind bars. The best evidence in a decades-old murder case could come from the work done in a lab, and a DNA analyst could finally bring a violent criminal to justice while giving a family closure. At the end of a long day doing meticulous and sometimes grueling work, these can be the rewards of pursuing a career as a DNA analyst.

In recent years, DNA analysis has risen as a top field of interest for those who want to put their laboratory skills to work in the criminal justice service. Forensic science technicians with DNA analysis skills have been able to bring criminals to justice or help kidnapped children locate their birth parents through DNA samples from direct-to-consumer testing companies such as 23andMe and AncestryDNA.

By comparing DNA results from spit tests with DNA samples collected from crime scenes or law enforcement, law enforcement has irrefutable evidence of innocence or guilt. While this practice is controversial, public support is high for using DNA genomes to solve crimes. The Pew Research Center results show that 48 percent of Americans surveyed agreed that DNA testing companies should share customers’ genetic data with law enforcement to solve crimes.

While some lawmakers propose including a consent option for consumers to share their DNA data with law enforcement, the practice of analyzing spit sample data against crime scene evidence has proven effective. The Pew Charitable Trusts reported that since May 2018, public databases such as GEDmatch have helped law enforcement identify 83 crime suspects and 11 homicide victims and solve at least 70 violent crimes in the United States.

DNA analysts are responsible for analyzing DNA evidence collected from a crime scene. A typical day in this profession includes time spent in a laboratory developing DNA profiles. DNA analysts could use evidence from those profiles to exonerate or implicate someone in a crime. Once evidence is analyzed, the DNA specialist will create detailed and accurate reports and will often be required to spend time in the courtroom testifying the evidence.

While the work may not be the most glamorous front-page position, this can be a gratifying career for those with the right temperament and skills.

Meet the Expert: Jared Baum

Jared Baum is a member of the Forensic Biology Department at the Global Forensic and Justice Center (GFJC). He serves as a subject matter expert and instructor of forensic biology, specializing in casework applications for GFJC. Baum is heavily involved in training scientists at crime laboratories and serves to instruct college students, military personnel, and law enforcement personnel. He also performs study design and applied research, time permitting.

Baum has more than 13 years of experience as a forensic biologist, most of which was as a crime laboratory analyst at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). While working at the FDLE, he gained extensive experience with laboratory automation, workflow efficiency, advanced data interpretation, and technology validations. He has testified in numerous trials and depositions. He also has served as an auditor following the FBI Quality Assurance and ISO 17025 standards.

Baum has an excellent understanding of the FBI CODIS system and served asa team leader for probabilistic genotyping at the FDLE. He holds a master’s of science in criminal justice with a concentration in forensic science from Saint Leo University.

Forensic Colleges.com: What do you wish the public understood about DNA analysts?

Baum: DNA casework is a time-consuming process that requires attention to detail by highly trained scientists. Most TV shows do not accurately demonstrate the forensic process, let alone all the DNA analysts’ daily activities.

DNA analysts spend a lot of time documenting what they observe, where they sampled from and interpreting DNA results. These results range from single source profiles (one person) to complex mixtures (two or more people).

If there is a DNA standard like a cheek swab included in a case, this DNA is compared to all evidence profiles that are developed in the same case. When DNA results are interpreted and comparisons are made, a report is written by the analyst, and this is followed by a couple of case reviews before the report is released. In addition, analysts work on numerous cases assigned at different times, increasing processing time. DNA analysts must have excellent time management skills.

Television has popularized DNA analysis, which has increased interest in the field. However, it has also created many misconceptions.

Forensic Colleges.com: What advice would you give to aspiring DNA analyst students?

Baum: I would advise them to make sure that they are taking all of the classes required by the FBI Quality Assurance Standards and be prepared for some off-putting evidence. You cannot work at an accredited lab in the United States without the proper education, including specific coursework.

You can find excellent information about forensic science at the Research Forensic Library from the Global Forensic and Justice Center (GFJC) at FIU. The free library can help you stay on top of the latest research in DNA and other disciplines.

Career Outlook for Forensic DNA Analysts

The employment outlook for those in the field of forensic science and DNA analysis is quite good. According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024), opportunities in the field of forensic science technology should grow at a rate of 14 percent between 2023 and 2033. Currently, there are about 18,600 jobs in the field, which is predicted to increase by about 2,500 jobs in that decade.

Pursuing a career in DNA analysis is a wise investment of time and money in a career. The demand for DNA specialists is likely to keep growing since forensic DNA evidence can be quite precise and definitive and has been pivotal in establishing the innocence or guilt of criminal suspects. The majority of DNA analysts work directly with police departments at the local, state, and federal levels and private companies that offer those law enforcement agencies services.

Here are the industries with the highest employment levels of forensic science technicians (BLS May 2023):

• Local Government: 10,770 forensic science technicians employed
• State Government: 4,610
• Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services: 630
• Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools: 490
• Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories: 300

Salary Range for Forensic DNA Analysts

DNA analyst salaries can vary quite a bit based on several different factors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023) reported that the median salary for forensic science techs, including DNA analysts, was $64,940. In the same year, the average annual salary was $71,540 for the 17,520 techs employed nationally (BLS May 2023).

Here are the average annual salary percentiles for forensic science technicians in the U.S. (BLS May 2023)—the latest data available as of December 2024:

• 10th percentile: $41,410
• 25th percentile: $50,480
• 50th: percentile: $64,940
• 75th percentile: $84,720
• 90th percentile: $107,490

Location, the type of work one does, and the department for which one works could all affect salaries available to DNA analysts. The number of years on the job and the types of degrees and advanced certificates held could also be factors.

How to Become a DNA Analyst

The DNA analyst job is highly technical and requires specific education and training that cannot be learned on the job. While not every DNA analyst will take the same path in pursuit of a career, the following are the most common steps:

• Step 1: Earn a high school diploma (four years) – A high school diploma is required for any DNA analyst. Students should focus mainly on natural science courses such as biology and chemistry to gain admission into an accredited undergraduate program.
• Step 2: Pursue a relevant bachelor’s degree (four years) – Because DNA analysis is so dependent on meticulous lab work, DNA analysts must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, with natural science degrees preferred. Prospective DNA analysts should consider a degree in biology, chemistry, or a Forensic Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) accredited forensic science program. Eastern Kentucky University offers a FEPAC-accredited bachelor’s degree in forensic science. This program was established in 1974, making it one of the oldest of its kind. This program teaches students to perform analyses using scientific methods, write reports for legal documentation, and prepare testimonies for courtroom cases.
• Step 3: Seek entry-level employment (timeline varies) – After earning a bachelor’s degree, graduates may find entry-level jobs in a lab, an opportunity that provides more hands-on experience and builds on classroom training.
• Step 4: Consider advanced education (two to four years) – Some DNA analysts may pursue an advanced degree, such as a master’s degree in forensic DNA and serology or even a PhD, depending on an individual’s long-term career. Florida International University’s master of science in forensic science program is rigorous science-based curriculum that includes both a research project and thesis, tailored for graduates aiming to advance their careers in forensic science. This program provides valuable research opportunities, allowing students to conduct their projects under the guidance of faculty or within their current laboratories. Meeting the DNA Advisory Board requirements, the program also holds accreditation from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, ensuring high educational standards. Graduates are well-prepared for roles as forensic science practitioners or further academic pursuits such as a PhD or law degree.
• Step 5: Obtain professional certification – Professional certification, such as earning a diplomate or a fellow status from the American Board of Criminalistics is another way experienced DNA analysts can grow their career opportunities.

A high school graduate dedicated to this career path can find entry-level work after just four years of undergraduate education. Many undergraduate programs offer internships with local law enforcement agencies that allow students to gain experience and make professional connections while still completing their degrees.

DNA Analyst Job Requirements, Tasks, and Responsibilities

Some of the traits that those who are in the DNA analysis field need to have include:

• Attention to detail
• Ability to solve problems
• Analytical thinking
• Good speaking and writing skills

Even though DNA analysts work in a lab setting, they still need to ensure they can work well in a team environment. Most of the time, those working in the lab will have a regular workday schedule, but the role may also require late hours, travel to a crime scene, or completing an analysis to make a deadline. In some cases, the DNA analyst position may require presenting findings in a courtroom.

These skills will help DNA analysts accomplish their daily tasks best and tend to their responsibilities, such as:

• Working with DNA collected from a crime scene to identify unique DNA profiles
• Comparing collected DNA to existing samples
• Testifying to findings in court
• Writing reports on findings
• Maintaining a chain of custody for DNA evidence
• Communicating with law enforcement as to findings

DNA Analyst Certification and Licensure

Unlike some professions, DNA analysts do not require legal certification or licensure. However, after gaining some experience, those who want to advance in their careers may find it helpful to pursue professional certification.

Laboratory certification is recommended to prove knowledge of procedures and policies for prospective employers. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers board certification for medical laboratory technicians and other related positions. The ASCP details exam eligibility pathways and content on its website.

One option for DNA analysts is to become an American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) Diplomate. To become a fellow of the ABC, DNA analysts can submit to a specialty test in molecular biology specific to criminalistics. Applicants must have at least two years of experience to qualify for this designation.

The ABC also offers a Forensic DNA Certification exam for those wanting to prove their professional qualifications as a DNA analyst. The exam is designed for persons employed in forensic science laboratories and covers 75 questions in two hours and 15 minutes.

Since forensic science varies widely in its disciplines and DNA can be analyzed through several scientific collection methods, many forensic science organizations provide professional support and certification. The Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB) lists accredited conformity assessment bodies known as CABs. While it may not be necessary for licensure at the state level, DNA analysts can earn certification through these organizations:

• American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)
• American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI)
• American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
• Board of Forensic Document Examiners (BFDE)
• American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE)
• International Board of Forensic Engineering Sciences (IBFES)
• American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO)
• American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA)
• International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
• Certified Fire Investigator Board, International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)