How Much Do Forensic Scientists Make?

How Much Do Forensic Scientists Make? Career, Salary and Role Explained

Forensic science is a career that blends biology, chemistry and criminal justice to help solve crimes. While the job is often glamorised in TV dramas, real-world forensic scientists play a detailed, methodical role behind the scenes. But how much can they earn—and what does it take to get into this field?

This guide breaks down the career path, qualifications, salaries, pros and cons, and future outlook for forensic scientists in the UK.

Job Description: What Does a Forensic Scientist Do?

A forensic scientist analyses physical evidence from crime scenes to support police investigations and court cases. They typically work in laboratories, with occasional visits to crime scenes, and their findings can be critical in criminal trials.

Core responsibilities include:

• Examining and testing samples such as blood, hair, fibres, drugs, or firearms residue

• Preparing written reports of findings to be used in court

• Giving expert witness testimony when required

• Using lab techniques such as DNA profiling, chromatography, and toxicology

• Ensuring samples are properly handled to maintain the chain of custody

• Collaborating with law enforcement, legal teams and other experts

How Hard Is It to Become a Forensic Scientist?

It’s challenging to get into the field because competition is high and vacancies are limited. You’ll need a strong academic background in science, particularly chemistry or biology, and often postgraduate study.

You’ll also need to build experience through internships, placements, or related lab roles before securing a forensic science position. Entry without a degree is virtually impossible.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

Successful forensic scientists tend to be:

• Highly analytical and detail-focused

• Patient, as lab analysis can be repetitive and slow

• Methodical, with strong organisation skills

• Comfortable with graphic or distressing material, including blood or violent crime evidence

• Effective communicators, especially for court reporting

• Resilient under pressure, given the legal weight of their findings

Do You Need to Study to Become a Forensic Scientist?

Yes—this is a degree-led profession. You’ll typically need:

• A BSc in Forensic Science, or

• A degree in a related subject (Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry) plus a postgraduate forensic science qualification

Undergraduate degrees take 3 years, while a master's adds another 1 year.

Some universities offer 4-year integrated master’s (MSci) programmes. Work placements during your studies massively improve your chances of employment.

What Experience Do You Need?

Employers usually expect:

• Lab experience (university, internships, or paid work)

• Understanding of forensic procedures and evidence handling

• Knowledge of criminal law and justice systems

• Ideally, work in a police forensic department, pathology lab, or accredited private lab

Graduate entry roles are scarce, so any voluntary or work placement in forensics or scientific analysis will boost your CV.

Benefits of Being a Forensic Scientist

• Interesting, impactful work: Your findings can change the outcome of criminal trials

• Respected profession: You're seen as an expert in both science and justice

• Specialist skillset: Your work is niche and highly valued

• Stable public sector employment: Many jobs are within government or law enforcement

• Career variety: You can specialise in toxicology, DNA, trace evidence, firearms, etc.

Drawbacks and Negatives

• Emotionally tough: Dealing with evidence from violent crimes or abuse can be distressing

• Slow career entry: Very few roles, and high competition

• Long training route: A degree is essential, and experience is hard to get

• Not as glamorous as TV: Real forensic work is methodical and paperwork-heavy

• Limited fieldwork: Most time is spent in the lab, not at crime scenes

Forensic Scientist Salary Levels in the UK

Salaries depend on experience, employer, and area of specialism.

• Graduate/Entry Level: £20,000 – £25,000 p/a

• Mid-level (3–5 years): £26,000 – £35,000 p/a

• Senior Scientist: £36,000 – £45,000 p/a

• Forensic Expert/Witness: £45,000 – £60,000+

Tax example:

A forensic scientist earning £38,000 annually would pay:

• Income Tax: approx. £5,286

• National Insurance: approx. £3,175

• Net take-home pay: around £29,500 per year

What’s the Future for This Role?

The outlook is steady, but not booming. Public sector cuts over the past decade affected hiring in police forensic units. However, demand for forensic services is growing through:

• Private forensic labs

• Digital and cyber forensics

• Environmental and insurance investigations

• Cold case reviews using advanced DNA tech

Emerging technologies like AI-assisted analysis, 3D crime scene scanning, and improved trace detection are shaping the future of the role.

Best Companies and Employers in the UK

Top forensic science employers include:

• Cellmark Forensic Services – one of the UK’s leading private providers

• Eurofins Forensic Services – works with police forces across the UK

• Key Forensic Services – contract forensic work

• Metropolitan Police Forensic Services

• Scottish Police Authority Forensics

• Forensic Access – known for expert witness services

• DSTL (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) – government research

Universities and private consultancies also offer forensic research roles and court-reporting positions.

Final Thought

Becoming a forensic scientist isn’t quick or easy, but it’s a unique and intellectually rewarding career. You need the right mix of science, discipline, and calmness under pressure. While entry is competitive and emotionally demanding, the work you do has real meaning—and the skills are deeply respected.