To become a crime lab assistant, you need to first determine if this is a suitable career path for you. Can you handle high-pressure and distressing work conditions? Are you interested in helping to investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to these questions, then you may be well suited for a career in this field.
Below we've outlined what you'll need to succeed in a career as a crime lab assistant. We've also included helpful information for a crime lab assistant career, such as job description, job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employers and much more!
Education Needed to Become a Crime Lab Assistant
You'll likely need a diploma or bachelor’s degree in either forensic science or a natural science such as biology, biochemistry or chemistry. If you major in forensic science, you should ensure that you do extensive coursework in mathematics, chemistry, and biology.
Please Note: Some employers may also consider you for a role if your background is in medical lab assisting.
Success Tip: If you have a graduate level education you are more likely to be eligible for a higher pay grade, or qualify for positions of more responsibility, such as Forensic Lab Analyst, or Laboratory Manager.
General Job Description
Crime lab assistants are responsible for collecting, analyzing and testing crime scene evidence such as weapons, fingerprints, and bodily fluids and tissues. They must also collaborate with experts, including medical professionals, ballistic experts and handwriting analysts. They are also known as Forensic Laboratory Assistants, Forensic Science Technicians and Forensic Science Technologists.
Typical Job Duties
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment
• Gather and store evidence from a crime scene
• Identify, classify and test crime scene evidence
• Maintain detailed records of research findings and investigative methods
• Prepare reports based on the results of findings
• Follow safety procedures and protocol in the collection of crime scene evidence
• Provide testimony in court regarding crime scene evidence and related test results
Who Employs Crime Lab Assistants?
Crime lab assistants are typically employed by government departments (municipal, provincial/state and federal), as law enforcement is administered in the public sector. These departments may also outsource the work to private laboratories and research organizations (including colleges and universities). Organizations that hire Crime Lab Assistants include:
• Police departments
• Crime laboratories
• Morgues
• Medical examiner/coroner offices
• Private laboratories
• Colleges and universities
Work Environment in This Profession
Work Conditions: The work conditions of a crime lab analyst can be quite stressful, as workers must be very diligent in order to ensure mistakes are not made, and the work is completed in a timely manner. There may be some exposure to risk in this job, as assistants may have to work around dangerous chemicals and other substances.
Work Schedule: Crime lab assistants usually work a traditional weekday-working schedule, although they may have to work during evenings, weekends and holidays if they are needed to work immediately, or if there are high volumes of work.
Salary Level Typical to This Field
The salary level of crime lab assistants can vary depending on factors such as their level of experience, their level of education, where they work, and many others.
Crime Lab Assistant Salary Canada (Alberta figures only): According to the 2018 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Medical Laboratory Assistants occupational group (which includes crime lab assistants) earned on average from $46,878 per year.
Crime Lab Assistant Salary United States: According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for workers in the Forensic Science Technicians occupational group is $51,570 per year.
Crime Lab Assistant Job Postings
Our job board below has "Crime Lab Assistant" postings in your area.
Careers Similar to Crime Lab Assistant
Listed below are career profiles in our database that are similar in nature to Crime Lab Assistant, as they involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities.
References
Please use the references below to find more information on the various aspects of this occupation.
Occupations in Alberta: “Forensic Laboratory Analyst.” (March 31, 2019). ALIS website - Alberta Learning Information Service. Retrieved November 8, 2019.
Life, Physical, and Social Science: “Forensic Science Technicians.” (September 4, 2019). Occupational Outlook Handbook - United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Retrieved November 8, 2019.
Please Note: Much of the information for this career guide was gathered from actual job postings, which due to the brief nature of their online presence, are not listed here as sources.
Scholarships for Becoming a Crime Lab Assistant
Scholarships listed for majors that apply to becoming a crime lab assistant can be found on our the following pages:
Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!
Relevant Fields of Study
Studying one of the university majors listed below is an excellent starting point to for working your way towards this profession. Click on the links to find out what else you can do with these majors!
