Forensic Scientist's Salary: A Real Life CSI TV Show

Name: Barry Fisher
Job Title: Crime Lab Director
Where: Los Angeles, CA
Employer: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Years of Experience: 38 of Forensic Science experience
Forensic Science Education: BA Chemistry - City College of New York, Masters Organic Chemistry - Purdue University, MBA - Cal State at Northridge
Forensic Scientist Salary: $125,000

Forensic Scientist's Salary: A Real Life CSI TV Show

Thanks to the popularity of the CSI TV show, more and more people are wondering about the requirements to become a forensic scientist or want more info on a career in forensic science. And nearly everyone is curious about a forensic scientist’s salary. Many Americans may think the requirements to become a forensic scientist can be picked up simply by watching the CSI Miami Cast, mentioned on Spoilerbuzz.com, but in reality, that's not the case. A career in forensic science requires both academic preparation and training specific to becoming a forensic scientist.

We recently interviewed Barry Fisher, Crime Lab Director for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Barry gave us the latest info on a forensic scientist’s salary, requirements to become a forensic scientist, forensic scientist education, how cases solved by forensics in real life differ from the CSI TV show and the low-down on a forensic scientist job - a vocation recently blogged on sarahq.livejournal.com.

If you've ever watched the CSI TV Show, you know that a career in forensic science looks exciting. But what is it really like to become a forensic scientist? What factors will influence a forensic scientist's salary? And what classes are part of a forensic scientist education? This Salary Story will answer your questions and solve the mystery...

Forensic Scientist Job Description:

A forensic scientist is someone who has one or more college degrees in science and is applying that background to try to solve crimes, to find a connection between a crime scene and individuals by means of physical evidence. Basic procedure would be lifting fingerprints from a crime scene and trying to figure out who left them. It gets progressively more complex with DNA and genetic evidence.

How did you begin your career in forensic science?

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My career in forensic science is a classic case of serendipity. I finished my master’s degree and moved from New York to Los Angeles because of a woman who I met on a blind date in New York City. She was from Los Angeles, we hit it off and one thing led to another. I came out West without a job or prospects for one; love brought me out here. I’ve been married to that same woman for 38 years.

After moving out to Los Angeles, I submitted a resume to the State of California. One day they gave me a call and said, “Come down to see us, we have a possible job interview.” I met the job counselor and he said the strangest thing,” I think I have a job that you’ll like. By the way, do you watch Perry Mason?” He said the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department was hiring chemists for their crime lab. I went down there, interviewed and they offered me a forensic scientist job. I started on May 5th, 1969. Today, I am the Crime Lab Director.

How does a forensic scientist deal with crime scenes?

Most people don’t typically deal with this level of guts and gore. It can be pretty offensive to all of the senses. But there are a lot of professions that deal with difficult things: emergency room doctors, nurses, cops, the military; there are millions of people who deal with disturbing, unsightly situations. You kind of make mental accommodations. You have to look at this clinically and not allow yourself to get emotionally involved.

What are the challenges of a career in forensic science?

The real challenge of being a forensic scientist is testifying in the courtroom as an expert witness. You have a lot of good defense attorneys who put you through your paces. The worst example of this was the O.J. Simpson case. To go to court for several days, or weeks, and get chewed up makes you wonder, "Is it really worth a forensic scientist’s salary to have all that abuse strewn on me?” I have had people leave because of that.

Are cases solved by forensics really like those on the CSI TV show?

The CSI TV show is a caricature of real life in a crime lab. We don’t typically interrogate suspects, we don’t arrest people. Most people in this business are civilians; they don’t carry guns or handcuffs. The time frame is really skewed on the CSI TV show. You’re not completing one of these investigations in 50 minutes; it's going to take you weeks, sometimes months.

What is the best part of a career in forensic science?

The sense that you are making a difference; you’re working to make society a little better by trying to help out the criminal justice system. The thing that I really enjoy is telling the police, “You got the wrong guy. You arrested the wrong person.” I think that's really gratifying. A lot of people think we’re here to just rubber stamp whatever the police find, but I always argue that we follow the thread and it takes us wherever it takes us.

What is a typical forensic scientist’s salary?

A forensic scientist’s salary has a large salary range depending on where they’re working, the big cities tend to pay a little bit more because of cost of living, but that’s not always the case. In this lab, an entry level journeyman with a college degree, who has been working 6-7 years, is making around 80K. My salary is about 125K. Typically, the starting salaries are about 40k to 50K, right out of school without training.

What are the requirements to become a forensic scientist? What is the typical forensic scientist education?

For a forensic scientist education, the minimum requirement is a Bachelor's Degree; it pays pretty well for that level of education. One of the impacts of the CSI TV show is that there is a huge interest in being a forensic scientist. When I started most people had Bachelor's, now significant numbers have Master's and there are some PhDs sprinkled around. There are college programs that have BA or Master's in forensic science; hard science, biology, chemistry, bio-chemistry, that’s the ticket to admission.

Do you recall any memorable moments during your career in forensic science?

Back when they were putting the CSI TV show pilot together and trying to sell it, we had some screenwriters, producers and set designers come down to the lab to tour. At the end of the visit, one of the producers says to me, “We’re looking for some consultants. Do you think you’d be willing to consult on the show for us, we don’t have anything to offer you right now, but it may turn into something.” I listened to the whole premise of the proposed CSI TV show and said, “I'm really flattered, but quite honestly, this thing is never going to fly.”

How does your salary compare to a forensic scientist's salary?  Solve the mystery with our salary calculator.

• More info on the Requirements to Become a Forensic Scientist
• Find out more about forensic scientist education - Council on Forensic Science Education
• Read about cases solved by forensics in Collin Evan's book, Casebook of Forensic Detection
• Average Forensic Scientist Salary by Years of Experience

Comments

[Janeth]

well Im im in 9th grade im doing a project on the career i wanna be when i get older i like watching the show CSI it was interesting when i first watch it so i was thinking if you could help me find the degrees needed the traning necessary and the salary ill get pay if i become one...

[Michelle]

I am interested in becoming a forensic scienctist can you e-mail with certain classes that I need to take that will help me become a forensic scientist

[John]

This kind of stuff is a lot of tough science classes, if you're in high school, try to do as many Advanced Placement courses as possible, especially in math and science. I have just graduated high school and am going to the University of Mississippi for a degree in forensic chemistry, and the curriculum for said degree is a lot of chemistry, biology and mathematics. Also try looking at a website called AAFS or American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and look at the accredited colleges. hope this helps

[Justin]

Hi my name is Justin Miller I am a freahman in highschool and still wondering what job I want to have when I get older if you could just email me some other info on forensic sceintists that would be really helpful. I am looking at a forensic sceintist CSI or an aerospace engineer. And I have one last question how much math is required in being a forensic scientist because that is my best subject and I don't want any math skills to not be used. And also what colleges would you prefer to be a forensic scientist?

[Brady Schlabach]

my comment before shoul have been what degree do u need FOR* this job not OR

[Brady Schlabach]

Hi I am a 5th grade student doing a report on forensic scientists. What degree do you need or this job and what would tou tell a fifth grade class

[shanea]

I love forensic science i like that your information show the steps that you went throw to get to the point you are now...when i get older i want to be a forensic science/mortician when i get old...what good comments do you have for anyone that what to develop a career in forensic

[Kaylie]

Hi, i am currently a student at a high school and i want to be a forensic scientist when i get older, I am also currently takeing a criminal justice college class over the internet. If you can please send me more information about this career that would be great.

[Sophia L.]

Hello. My name is Sophia, and this is my last year of high school. I'm very interested in becoming a Forensic Scientist and would like any tips at all on how to pursue this career. Thank you.

[Alix]

Hello, I'm a fifth year biology major in Nevada and have recently decided to look into possible career choices other than an MD or DO. I'm interested in forensic science, but unfortunately my univ. doesn't offer any forensic degrees or courses. Do you have any advice as to the next step I should take?

[Jean Fedna]

My name is Jea, and I'm currently a college sophmore. For the past years I've been very interested in Forensics. Currently, my major is Biology. i am having difficulty finding an internship or some kind of job that'll will give me a feel of what forensic science is like. If it's possible, could you post some places or sites that deal with forensic interships or jobs for college students majoring in biology. Thank you!

[rachael]

i've been looking into jobs && the only one i have any interest in is forensic science. im 14 and going into year 10 next year. and wondering what subjects should i choose for year 11 & 12?

[sagahi]

im looking into jobs i want to be a forensic scientist i took a class on testing blood i think its the job for me i want to see how much about a year and how many years of college u need

[raquel]

hi am a senior and i need help for my senior project kan someone help me

[Alexa Young]

HEY THIS IS ALEXA YOUNG AND SINCE IM REALLY INTERESTED IN FORENSIC SCIENCE AND THINK ITS PRETTY INTERESTING I WAS WONDERINR IF YOU COULD PLEASE SEND ME INFO. REGARDING THAT CAREER!!FOR INSATNCE, WHAT DEGREE DID YOU NEED?RIGHT NOW IN MY SCHOOL WE CURRENTLY GOT ASSIGNED TO A PROJECT WHICH REQUIRES ME TO INTERVIEW SOMEONE.ITS VERY DIFFICULT FOR ME TO GET A HOLD OF SOMEONE AND I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD ANSWER A FEW QUESTIONS.

PLEASE IT WOULD BE A GREAT HELP IN EARNING MY CREDIT IN THE PRESENTATION!!!

TRULY YOURS,
ALEXA YOUNG,CALIFORNIA

[Roberto Thopio]

If you are interested in becoming a Forensic scientist for a government agency then check out all the great government jobs posted on Jobs.net at http://government.jobs.net

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[renee anderson; i'm only 14 (interested)]

i REALLY NEED YOU TO HELP ME TO BECOME A FRORENSTIC SCIENTIST BECAUSE I HAVE A PASSION FOR THIS JOB PLEASE HELP ME

[renee anderson; i'm only 14 (interested)]

i REALLY NEED YOU TO HELP ME TO BECOME A FRORENSTIC SCIENTIST BECAUSE I HAVE A PASSION FOR THIS JOB PLEASE HELP ME

[Elizabeth]

What recomendation do you give, if I was interested in being a Forensics and Criminal Investiagation. I dont have any degree yet. Im 27 yrs old, and currently serving in the United Staes Navy. Been in almost 7 yr in May of this yr (2008). Now thinking of getting out next yr 2009. So unfortunatelly didnt take advantage to go to school. Im just going now trying to get general eds out the way. Do you think im to old to star now? & do you think being active service helps a little. Would apreciate any tips. thank you

[Patricia Buie]

Hello. My name is Patricia Buie, and I'm currently a college freshman. For the past 4-5 years I've been very interested in Forensics and Criminal Investiagation. Currently, my major is Forensics. The only difficulty I'm having is finding an internship or some kind of job that'll will give me a feel of what forensic science is like. If it's possible, could you post some places or sites that deal with forensic interships or jobs for college students majoring in forensic science. Thank you!

[david]

I would like to recieve information about Forensic Science, what experience I need, classes, etc. Where do I begin ?

[Omar Jurdi]

Hello, i am interested in a career in forensics, please would you e-mail me what degree i should have before i even think of applying, i am a freshman in a university and i am not sure whethe i should stduy medical lab, biology or chemistry as each one stresses on a different part in forensics. thank you.

[angelica bhatt]

hello,
i am realy interested in coming a forensic scientist and i would appriciate it you could send me some info about the job.
i would love to know what the actual job is like, the salary and what qualifacations i would need.
what A Level and degree would i need?
would a degree from england be valied there in the u.s?
what makes the job interesting and what is the downside of the job and the rewards?
thank you

[Fatima]

Hi I am currently a bio student in my junior year trying to pursue a career as a forensic sientist. Are you saying after going to a 4 year college Im going to need further training? I reside in Boston MA ,can you send me information on getting an internship so I will gain more experience.Also with a biology degree what will I be doing if I was to work in a crim lab? thanks

[tiffanie mcgovern]

as that other person said: ....

I love the show CSI. I want to be a forensic scientist when I get older. If you could I have a 2 minute speech on the subject of forensic scientists, and was wondering if you could email me some stuff about the career of forensic scientist's like how much you make, what all they do, and what possitions there are and stuff like that.

can u send that stuff to me too.
im doin a project on wat career
i want wen i get older.... PLEASE!!!

[jen]

will the requirements to become a forensic scientist change as more people try to go into this field?

[Armen]

Hi can I work somewhere as an intern while I am persuing my degree just as like a job where I can make some money too while I gain experience?

[Nick]

I'm still in high school, but I am planning to go to college and study to be a forensic scientist. I've done research, and most employers require several years of experience. But obviously you've got to start somewhere. I was wondering if you could e-mail me about where and how you start out as a forensic scientist. By the way, your article was very informative. Thanks!

[jessica]

hi i am really interested in becoming a forensic scientist when im older, i was wondering if youy could send some information about this career, and how much forensic scientists usually make. thank you.

[silvia]

hi there i really enjoy reading bout this career andi have a 2 mintue speech on a career i ahev chosen and i chose forensic scientist...so i was wondering if you could please send me some information to the training, further study to become qualified for this career, duties carried out, work environment and the employment prospects and any other interesing information would be great

thanks!

[Josh manghelli]

Mr. Barry Fisher. I am currently an undergrad student at University of Evansville in Indiana. I am very intrigued with this information. I plan to be a dentist but I am in love with the forensics. Can you please give me an email or replay back so I can ask you a few questions on the best things I can do to pursue this career? Thankyou!

[Evat]

I am interested in becoming a forensic scienctist can you please e-mail with that certain classes I need to take that will make me more marketable in the field.

[Misty Holliday]

I love the show CSI. I want to be a forensic scientist when I get older. If you could I have a 2 minute speech on the subject of forensic scientists, and was wondering if you could email me some stuff about the career of forensic scientist's like how much you make, what all they do, and what possitions there are and stuff like that.

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