Forensic scientist | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Forensic scientists prepare traces of physical evidence for use in courts of law.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime

Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes.
Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.
Review forensic analysts' reports for technical merit.
Examine and analyze blood stain patterns at crime scenes.
Examine physical evidence, such as hair, fiber, wood, or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.
Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information, such as serial numbers.
Compare objects, such as tools, with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.
Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.
Identify and quantify drugs or poisons found in biological fluids or tissues, in foods, or at crime scenes.
Determine types of bullets and specific weapons used in shootings.

Average salary
34,165 GBP *
per year

Average salary for Forensic scientist

35,058 GBP
33,788 GBP

Average salary for full-time Forensic scientist

Showing:

34,165 GBP
33,788 GBP
35,058 GBP

Salary over time for Forensic scientist

Salary for this role has increased over time

35,205 GBP
31,629 GBP
30,818 GBP
32,994 GBP
36,385 GBP
38,105 GBP
34,165 GBP
31,707 GBP
35,142 GBP

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Future outlook for Forensic scientists

Balanced outlook

64 000+ jobs available

Balanced outlook

0% yearly wage growth (on average)

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Forensic scientist and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

% of people in this role have a certificate of higher education or equivalent but no degree
% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
% of people in this role have a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent

You can apply directly to forensic services providers if you've got a lot of lab experience, and qualifications in science, especially chemistry.

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
knowledge of public safety and security
excellent written communication skills
the ability to work on your own
legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Forensic scientist

Forensic Science

Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

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Forensic scientist | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Salary statistics

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Future outlook for Forensic scientists

Forensic scientist - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

Things to highlight for your Forensic scientist interview

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