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Forensic Chemist – Salary, Career Outlook & Job Description
“Forensic chemists in law enforcement analyze seized evidence and testify in court regarding their findings. Various federal agencies employ forensic chemists for specialized roles.”Ira S. Lurie, PhD, Professor of Forensic Science, George Washington University
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, as well as 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 determine 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. 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.
Meet the Expert: Ira S. Lurie, PhD
Dr. Ira S. Lurie is a professor of forensic science at George Washington University. He joined the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a forensic chemist in 1974, where he served as an expert in liquid phase separations. He received his PhD from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
After four decades of employment in government, he joined the faculty at GWU. He has received the Paul L. Kirk Award of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles.
ForensicsColleges.com: While most of our readers will likely be familiar with forensics and chemistry, the intersection of these two fields is probably less well-known. How would you explain your area of expertise to an outsider, and what initially drew you to this field?
Dr. Lurie: My expertise lies in forensic drug chemistry, specifically applying analytical chemistry to seized drug analysis. During my tenure with the DEA, my focus was on separation techniques, while my work at George Washington University over the past decade has centered on developing hybrid separation-detection technologies to improve specificity.
These techniques, akin to a tandem bicycle where both riders must perform optimally, integrate separation methods like gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC), supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), and capillary electrophoresis with detection modes such as mass spectrometry (MS), ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, and flame ionization detection.
My scientific journey began in high school and continued with a bachelor of arts in chemistry from Queens College, followed by roles as a research assistant at Downstate University and a chemist at the American Health Foundation. Seeking greater career growth, I joined the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)’s Northeast Regional Laboratory as a forensic chemist, a pivotal step in my career.
ForensicsColleges.com: You spent close to 40 years as a forensic chemist with the DEA. What kind of work can aspiring forensic chemists expect to perform when they work for a law enforcement agency?
Dr. Lurie: Forensic chemists in law enforcement analyze seized evidence and testify in court regarding their findings. Various federal agencies employ forensic chemists for specialized roles.
The FBI handles trace and non-trace evidence, such as unknown substances, bank dye packs, and drug analyses. The ATF focuses on explosives, arson, and alcohol/tobacco-related evidence. CBP examines seized drugs, potential weapons of mass destruction, and intellectual property violations. The FWS investigates violations of wildlife protection laws, while the FDA addresses product tampering, counterfeiting, and adulteration. The DOD and USPS analyze seized drugs and trace evidence, with the USPS also handling explosives. The DEA primarily analyzes drug evidence and participates in clandestine lab seizures, maintaining instrumentation as part of routine operations.
State and local labs, operated by police, justice departments, or health departments, handle similar evidence, while private labs assist public facilities by reducing backlogs in forensic chemistry.
ForensicsColleges.com: Over the course of your career, a significant number of technological changes occurred in forensics. What innovations do you find particularly exciting, and are there any developments that you would like to see in the future?
Dr. Lurie: DNA analysis revolutionized forensic biology, while forensic chemistry advanced with the introduction of fused silica capillaries used in gas chromatography (GC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). These capillaries improved analyte separations and facilitated CE applications, including DNA, explosives, and drug analysis. CE’s high separation power and low solvent use make it a greener alternative to traditional methods like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with exceptional chiral separations for seized drugs.
The photodiode array ultraviolet (PDA UV) detector enhanced liquid-phase separations by enabling real-time UV spectra acquisition, improving specificity and quantitative analysis. Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) detection, introduced for GC, offers superior arson and drug analysis specificity. Electrospray ionization enabled routine mass spectrometry (MS) for liquid separations, and the combination of LC and MS detection became a cornerstone for forensic toxicology, offering high sensitivity and minimal sample preparation. With its portable laser wand, Raman spectroscopy allows drug analysis through packaging without handling dangerous substances, proving invaluable at seizure points like borders.
Future advancements could include VUV detection for liquid-phase separations and further development of miniaturized instruments for on-site analysis, optimizing space and efficiency in forensic laboratories.
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 more than twice the national average at 14 percent (BLS 2024). In fact, between 2023 and 2033, the BLS predicts 2,500 new positions will be added to the current 18,600 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 , 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 $64,940 (BLS May 2023). However, self-reported salary data from PayScale.com (2024) shows the average annual salary of forensic science technicians to be $57,322 based on 43 reported salaries.
The BLS (May 2023) also reports the following annual salary data for forensic science technician salary percentiles:
- 10th percentile: $41,410
- 25th percentile: $50,480
- 50th percentile (median): $64,940
- 75th percentile: $84,720
- 90th percentile: $107,490
Forensic Chemist Salary By Years of Experience & Sector
Salary data from PayScale.com (2024) reports average annual salary data, based on years of experience, for professionals working in forensic science technician positions as:
- Entry-level (less than one year of experience): $44,241
- Early-career (one to four years of experience): $47,008
- Mid-career (five to nine years of experience): $33,280
- Experienced: (10 to 19 years of experience): $42,120
Here is a list of average annual salaries for the top-paying industries for forensic science technicians (BLS May 2023):
- Federal government (OEWS designation): $119,630
- Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: $97,040
- Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities: $76,440
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals: $73,860
- State government, excluding education and hospitals: $69,540
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 2023):
| State | Employment | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| California | 2,390 | $98,400 |
| Illinois | 370 | $95,750 |
| Connecticut | 130 | $82,620 |
| New York | 590 | $82,610 |
| Massachusetts | 120 | $82,520 |
Below is a list of the cities and metropolitan areas with the highest number of forensic science technicians, the number of employed professionals, and the average annual salary (BLS May 2023):
| City/Metropolitan area | Employment | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | 880 | $109,000 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land | 610 | $67,940 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale | 600 | $73,250 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 580 | $85,930 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | 510 | $81,570 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 500 | $62,140 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | 490 | $58,970 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell | 370 | $61,700 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | 350 | $85,920 |
| Austin-Round Rock | 330 | $59,100 |
In 2022, the American Chemical Society (ACS) published the results of its annual salary survey, which represents self-reported salary data from 5,411 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 educational programs’ quality.
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.
This 120-credit program includes courses such as criminal justice; pharmacology; organic chemistry; analytical and physical chemistry; instrumental analysis; statistics; forensic methods course; biochemistry and forensic DNA; advanced instrumentation; toxicology; and genetics.
- Location: University, MS
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Step Three: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited Forensic or Natural Science Program (Four to Five Years)
Buffalo State University – SUNY
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.
This 120 to 126-credit program includes courses such as forensic anthropology; molecular biology; scientific criminal evidence analysis; chemistry and criminalistics; organic chemistry; analytical chemistry; biochemistry; professional practices in forensic science; analytical toxicology; and forensic geoscience, among others.
- Location: Buffalo, NY
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Ohio University offers a FEPAC-accredited bachelor of science program in forensic chemistry preparing students to work in crime laboratories or other law enforcement agencies, such as OSHA, EPA, and FDA, or for graduate-level work in forensic science, analytical chemistry, or forensic chemistry.
Some of the topics students will delve into include analytical chemistry; organic chemistry; introduction to toxicology; basic biochemistry; microscopy and imaging; fundamentals of inorganic chemistry; chromatography and spectroscopy; and physical chemistry, among others.
Recent graduates have taken up roles such as attorneys, applications lab technicians, criminalists, associate chemists, document examiners, drug analysts, forensic scientists, environmental engineers, serologists/drug analysts, and physicians.
- Location: Athens, OH
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
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 examiner 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.
This MFS program in forensic chemistry helps students in gaining the skills and knowledge needed for understanding and interpreting material composition, uncovering drug compositions, and identifying chemical components at the molecular level. The program comprises 37 credits and includes courses such as ethics, professional responsibility, and quality assurance; the fundamentals of forensic science; criminal law for forensic scientists; trace evidence analysis; forensic chemistry; forensic drug analysis; and statistics for forensic scientists.
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two or four years
Step Five: Earn a Master’s Degree in Forensic Science or a Related Field (Two Years)
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is one of only 17 master’s programs accredited by FEPAC and offers a two-year master of science program in forensic science. 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 73 percent job placement rate for students graduating between 2022-2024, 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.
This 40-credit program includes courses such as forensic toxicology; elements of forensic science; conventional criminalistics; forensic drug analysis; molecular biology in forensic science; law evidence and procedure; biostatistics; advanced drug chemistry & toxicology; advanced biological methods in forensic science; and molecular genetics.
- Location: Birmingham, AL
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Pennsylvania State University’s Eberly College of Science offers an MPS in forensic science providing students with a foundation in general criminalistics along with specialized training and education in either forensic chemistry or forensic biology. Graduates from the program are well-positioned for fieldwork or research-based careers.
The emphasis on forensic chemistry program consists of 41 credits, including courses such as criminalistics; a scientific approach to crime scene investigation; chromatography and electrochemistry; drug chemistry and toxicology; forensic chemistry; and laboratory in crime scene investigation.
- Location: State College, PA
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two or four years
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 supporting 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 and 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 several 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 forensic toxicology. Certificates are valid for five years; credential holders can renew by providing proof of annual continuing education and paying a $120 annual fee.
Johannes Stitz is a freelance writer and researcher based in the Southwest. He’s written about various topics in engineering careers. Before turning to freelance writing, he spent nearly a decade in the arts as a booker and event manager.
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