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Crime Scene Investigators (CSI)

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Crime Scene Investigators (CSI)

Note: Crime Scene Investigators fit several job descriptions but are most frequently Forensic Science Technicians. Annual and median wages are reported for Forensic Science Technicians.

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Average Annual Wages (All CSI's)* - between $32,200 - $85,210

Median Hourly Wage (Forensic Science Technicians): $25.41/hour

Annual Wage Estimate (Forensic Science Technicians)**: $52,840/year

Work week: 45+ hours per week

Job outlook 2012-2022: 6%

Positions that CSI's are Employed In:

Crime Scene Technician
Crime Scene Photographer
Fingerprint Classification Specialist
Crime Lab Assistant
Medical Examiner and Investigator
Latent Print Examiner/Trainee
Fire Inspector/Investigator
Forensic Science Specialist
Property and Evidence Personnel

Major job duties:

Examine, test, and analyze tissue samples, chemical substances, physical materials, and ballistics evidence using recording, measuring, and testing equipment.
Interpret laboratory findings and test results to classify substances materials and other evidence collected at the crime scene collect and preserve criminal evidence found at the crime scene.
Collect evidence and use it to solve cases in a responsible manner.
Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronic, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts to interpret evidence.
Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
Prepare reports or presentations of findings and investigate methods or laboratory techniques.
Testify as a witness in trials or hearings.

Working Conditions

Varies depending on geographical area, climate.
Work over 45 hours a week.
Usually work on nights , holidays and weekends.
Will spend some time each day both in and outside of the police department and office, crime laboratories, morgues, medical examiner/coroner office.
Can at times be stressful or even dangerous, especially when the job involves confrontation with suspects or with upset clients.
In some particularly potentially dangerous situations, investigators must be armed. Investigators who use handguns must have appropriate licensure. Most of the time, though, carrying a weapon is unnecessary for an investigator.
May come in contact with poisonous, flammable, or explosive gases and chemicals as well as radioactive or other hazardous materials that may have immediate or long-term effects on health.

Education and Training

Often requires an Associates, Bachelors or Masters degree.
Students may also need to earn state licensure or specialized certification for a particular concentration in their field.
Many employers prefer applicants who have at least 2 years of specialized training or an associate’s degree in applied science or science-related technology. Because employers’ preferences vary, however, some science technicians have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or forensic science or have taken several science and math courses at 4-year colleges..
Many certificate programs in crime scene investigation are available.
There is also a significant amount of on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced crime scene investigators.

Job Outlook

Depite the relatively low salaries, competition in the investigation field is high.
The field is an attractive to many recently graduated students as well as to working professionals.

Learn more about becoming a Crime Scene Investigator

* Source - International Crime Scene Investigators Association - FAQ's

**Since crime scene investigators usually have intense schedules, this estimate assumes a 45 hour workweek, 5 days per week.

Sources:
International Crime Scene Investigators Association - FAQ's

Worldwidelearn.com - Guide to College Majors in Crime Scene Investigation

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook