Trace evidence technicians play a vital role in criminal investigations. They analyze key pieces of data to help solve crimes. This can include items such as hair, footprints, gunshot residue and broken glass. They use microscopes and computer technology to process this evidence and then present their findings to detectives and other criminal justice professionals.
“Whether that be a camera, microscope, laptop or phone, the role of a ‘techie’ is one of attention to detail,” Detective and Criminal Justice Educator, Luke Taylor, said. “Depending on the evidence and subsequent examination, a technician may collect and examine their own evidence, but often it is more likely they will either be collecting in the field, or analyzing at a laboratory.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that this important career will see a surge in roles over the next decade. A 12.8% growth in trace evidence technician roles is predicted through 2034. If you’re interested in joining this growing field, the first step is completing formal education. From there, you can look into roles with police departments, government agencies, private investigators and more.
A role as a trace evidence technician can be a great choice for people who want to enter the criminal justice field but aren’t interested in working as a police officer, detective or corrections officer. This challenging and exciting role takes analytic skills and critical thinking. If you enjoy solving problems and being part of a team, you might enjoy a role as a trace evidence technician.
If you enjoy solving problems and being part of a team, you might enjoy a role as a trace evidence technician.
“As the officer in charge, I would work with the trace evidence technicians on the scene,” Taylor explained. “We would walk through together, discuss observations, then inferences and collaborate. I would rely on their expertise and experience, just as they would defer to my thoughts. We had one goal, and that was to discover the truth. These technicians are respected because they bring expertise that others in law enforcement do not have.”
How do I become a trace evidence technician?
There are a few paths you can take to beoming a trace evidence technician. The right path depends on your specific goals and on how quickly you’d like to start your career. Some schools offer certificates you can use to jump into this field in as little as six months. You may also choose to pursue a 2-year associate degree or a 4-year bachelor’s degree.
However, there are some steps you’ll need to take no matter what educational route you choose. Step-by-step, this means:
Earning your high school diploma
Completing a formal educational program, such as an associate or bachelor’s degree program
Passing a criminal background check
Pursuing a professional certification, which is optional
Degree options
Trace evidence technicians can choose the educational route that best fits their goals, budget and other personal factors. The most common options include:
Crime scene investigation technician certificate:
You can find certificates in crime scene investigation at schools around the country. This certificate might also be called a Trace Evidence Technician Certificate or Criminal Science Technician Certificate. It typically takes between six and 18 months to earn.
Associate degree in criminal justice:
An associate degree in criminal justice can be a great career foundation. This degree takes about two years to earn and can help you earn credits that will transfer to an advanced degree later in your career.
Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice:
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a similar field may lead to a career as a trace evidence technician. This route can be a good choice for people who are interested in gaining an advanced understanding of criminal justice.
Some employers might look for professionals who’ve earned specific degree levels. For instance, some crime labs might only hire trace evidence technicians who’ve earned a bachelor’s level degree. It can help to search through job postings in your area to see what’s preferred by local employers.
What being a trace evidence technician is all about
Trace evidence technicians are key components of a criminal justice team. They work in crime labs and at crime scenes to collect and analyze evidence. In their role, these professionals help detectives and officers by providing the data they need to get warrants, talk to suspects, make arrests and solve cases.
What you’ll do
Trace evidence techniques analyze evidence to help reconstruct crime scenes and solve cases. In this role, you’ll be responsible for looking through evidence from crime scenes to analyze it for important clues. This work can provide proof of, or support for, theories—or establish new theories for investigators to explore. Some of the items that trace evidence technicians investigate and analyze can include:
Hair:
Hair can provide crucial data such as DNA or evidence of poison or disease.
Gunshot residue:
Trace evidence technicians can use this residue to determine crime scene details such as how far a bullet traveled.
Fibers:
Fibers can be left behind by clothing, furniture and other fabrics. They can help identify suspects.
Paints and polymers:
Paints and polymers can sometimes help technicians identify the make and model of cars.
Ashes:
Ashes and other fire debris can be used to determine a fire’s cause.
Footprints and tire tracks:
Impressions, such as footprints and tire tracks, are used to reconstruct crime scenes.
Glass:
Technicians can examine glass to determine details such as the direction of a break and the amount of force used.
Tool marks:
Tools often leave specific impressions that technicians can analyze.
Broken items:
Trace evidence technicians analyze broken furniture, floorboards and more to help reconstruct crime scenes.
Medications and other substances:
Poisons, medications and other substances can be analyzed as evidence.
There are several tools trace evidence technicians might use to examine evidence. For instance, they might study items under a microscope or enter information into a computer program for analysis. As they go through the evidence and analyze it, they’ll also be responsible for keeping careful records. Technicians must keep accurate data about each piece of evidence and any analysis done.
A typical day might vary depending on the specific employer and on the cases that come to a department. However, typically daily tasks can include:
Communicating with law enforcement officers about evidence and cases
Testing samples of hairs, fibers and substances
Examining evidence under microscopes
Documenting evidence
Taking notes on the analysis
Creating reports of key findings
Storing or properly disposing of evidence
Sending evidence to additional labs for further analysis
Trace evidence technicians might also visit crime scenes. While there, they take on tasks such as:
Photographing the scene
Creating sketches of the scene
Looking for relevant and useful evidence
Collecting DNA, glass, fibers and other trace evidence
Storing evidence for safe transport
“Once the evidence is obtained, the technicians play a continuing role in analyzing and interpreting data,” Taylor said. “The specialization required within their field is similar to the roles of detective agencies, and there will always be an open line of communication to question the results and apply these scientific results to theories.”
Sometimes, trace evidence technicians are asked to testify in court cases. This means they might also serve as an expert witness during a criminal trial.
Skills trace evidence technicians need
Working as a trace evidence technician can be fast-paced and stressful. They need to be strong communicators with excellent analytic skills to succeed in this challenging role. It can also help to be:
Taylor suggested the following traits for successful trace evidence technicians: “Open-mindedness, a sense of discovery, close attention to detail and a spirit of adventure.” He explained, “The ability to be open to criticism, cross-checking and relying on others is [also] vital. We can never assume we will always get it right, and it is always a team collaboration.”
Where you’ll work as a trace evidence technician
Trace evidence technicians often find work with police units. However, other employers may utilize the skills and expertise of these professionals. These may include:
Government agencies
The offices of private investigators
Crime labs
Research facilities
Job titles
Trace evidence technicians might have different job titles over their careers. For instance, they might work under the title of forensic science technician or crime scene technician. Often, the title depends on the employer.
How to make yourself stand out as a candidate
Your education, skills and experience can help you stand out and gain roles as a trace evidence technician. It can also help to earn professional certification. Earning certification can be a great way to demonstrate that you have the knowledge you need to be successful in your profession and if desired, help you specialize in a particular area of forensic science.
While there aren’t any required certifications for trace evidence technicians, they can still choose from a few optional credentials. These include:
Certified Crime Scene Investigator (CCSI): This option from the International Association for Investigation (IAI) can be a good choice for trace evidence technicians who often visit crime scenes.
Certified Crime Scene Analyst (CCSA): The CCSA is another great option from the IAI for trace evidence technicians who analyze crime scenes.
Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst (CSCSA): Professionals with years of proven experience can look into the CSCSA certification from IAI.
Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST): This certification is from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and is aimed at professionals who investigate bodily fluids and other biohazards left at crime scenes.
Professional organizations to join along the way
Joining a professional organization can be a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in your field. It can also help you make career connections and find new opportunities. Trace evidence technicians can look into these advocacy and support groups:
International Crime Scene Investigators Association (ICSIA): This professional organization offers a range of resources, including a job board, events and industry publications.
Salaries
The salary you can earn as a trace evidence technician depends on factors such as your years of experience and your employer type. Your geographic location also plays a role in how much you may be able to earn. The BLS does not have a specific listing for trace evidence technician salaries, but they do record salary data for forensic science technicians. Professionals in that role earned a median salary of $67,440. Take a look at median salaries by state, including the lowest and highest 10% of the field:
Forensic Science Technicians
10%$45,560
25%$53,310
50%$67,440Median
75%$88,710
90%$110,710
Median Hourly Wage$32
Job growth12.8%
Total Employment19,450
State
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Alabama
$59,560
$38,910
$82,620
Arizona
$60,620
$45,590
$109,850
Arkansas
$46,210
$39,680
$62,370
California
$96,850
$61,380
$137,020
Colorado
$77,800
$59,400
$103,660
Connecticut
$84,920
$40,450
$105,530
Florida
$61,070
$39,890
$90,570
Georgia
$58,500
$39,060
$83,600
Idaho
$60,470
$41,000
$112,390
Illinois
$117,590
$57,590
$147,370
Indiana
$65,770
$40,750
$90,130
Iowa
$63,650
$34,240
$97,220
Kansas
$75,150
$49,620
$99,720
Kentucky
$58,230
$46,980
$70,670
Louisiana
N/A
N/A
N/A
Maine
$68,710
$44,470
$74,320
Maryland
$78,220
$58,440
$110,760
Massachusetts
$75,210
$60,560
$105,010
Michigan
$69,040
$36,500
$198,320
Minnesota
$68,790
$50,530
$101,150
Mississippi
$54,720
$36,950
$82,890
Missouri
$64,700
$45,360
$87,420
Montana
$78,610
$38,470
$97,670
Nebraska
$63,390
$45,140
$80,080
Nevada
$76,540
$52,350
$127,890
New Jersey
$54,230
$40,650
$81,190
New Mexico
$61,890
$44,490
$96,410
New York
$78,170
$60,680
$101,370
North Carolina
$50,460
$42,720
$77,720
North Dakota
$74,470
$54,410
$95,680
Ohio
$73,310
$50,720
$118,100
Oklahoma
$64,990
$43,990
$95,690
Oregon
$78,100
$53,090
$129,220
Pennsylvania
$57,820
$40,260
$84,410
South Carolina
$49,960
$37,490
$69,510
South Dakota
$49,280
$24,960
$80,050
Tennessee
$70,500
$45,830
$127,040
Texas
$55,830
$40,290
$79,900
Utah
$64,430
$45,960
$88,940
Vermont
$67,750
$54,680
$91,540
Virginia
$62,860
$46,900
$107,210
Washington
$77,650
$58,090
$103,650
West Virginia
$59,930
$38,190
$80,550
Wisconsin
$61,920
$50,210
$95,470
Wyoming
$60,670
$45,870
$88,510
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Trace evidence technicians earn the highest wages in the following states:
California
Illinois
Connecticut
New York
Massachusetts
Your metro area can also play a role in your salary. According to the BLS, trace evidence technicians are paid the highest salaries the following metro areas:
Metro Area
Median Annual Salary
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$131,390
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$103,930
Akron, OH
$102,230
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
$100,800
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
$99,670
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
$98,110
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
$97,040
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA
$96,770
Toledo, OH
$93,560
New Haven, CT
$93,290
How does a trace evidence technician’s salary compare to similar occupations?
Trace evidence technicians can earn salaries that are similar to other criminal justice professionals. Other salaries across criminal justice roles include:
Career
Median Annual Salary
Forensic Science Technicians
$67,440
Biological Technicians
$52,000
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
$93,580
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
$76,290
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
$61,890
Frequently asked questions
Do trace evidence technicians work with the victims of crimes?
Sometimes. Trace evidence technicians often focus on physical evidence and some professionals spend their days working in crime labs. However, trace evidence technicians will sometimes interview witnesses and victims as part of evidence collection.
Are there prerequisites before enrolling in a trace evidence technician educational program?
You’ll need at least a high school diploma before entering most programs. Some certificate or associate-level programs will accept students who’ve earned a GED.
Do trace evidence technicians carry guns?
No. Trace evidence technicians do not typically carry guns while on the job.
Is a trace evidence technician job stressful?
It can be stressful to be a trace evidence technician. Additionally, a job handling violent criminal cases can expose you to traumatic scenarios that may be difficult to process or reconcile emotionally.
