Forensic Scientist I pay range
State of North Carolina · class code 32000081
- Class code
- 32000081
- Pay group
- NC14
- Pay unit
- Year
- State
- North Carolina
- The State of North Carolina published pay range for Forensic Scientist I is $52,592 to $92,036 per year.
- North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) keys this classification as class code 32000081.
- This is the range the plan authorises, not the salary of any individual employee.
Class specification
The OSHR class specification for this class is published by North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR). The passages below are quoted from it as published, not paraphrased, and cut to their opening sentences; the full specification is the authority on duties and qualifications. It was last revised 06/2019.
What the state says the job is
This is entry level professional forensic analysis work that requires the analysis of forensic evidence in a crime laboratory setting. Employees examine and analyze evidence from simple to moderately complex casework, make judgments and testify in court as necessary to explain and defend their findings. Employees operate with some technical independence in the forensic examination of various types of evidence. Employees may assist journey or senior analysts in the more varied and moderately complex casework while continuing to learn the techniques, methods and practices involved in the examination of more complex cases. Employees conduct consultations and participate in pretrial conferences with prosecutors and defense attorneys, train and advise agents and law enforcement officers, and handle all evidence under stringent chain of custody rules.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Working knowledge of the principles, concepts, theories, reference sources and laboratory practices involved with the forensic examination of evidence. Working knowledge of criminal law and of the rules and regulations regarding evidence gathering and handling. Working knowledge of scientific methodology and of laboratory safety practices. Ability to perform and record complex standardized and non-standardized laboratory tests and procedures. Ability to analyze results, interpret methodology and to understand and solve theoretical problems. Ability to express technical information clearly both orally and in writing when reporting results, testifying or explaining procedures to others. Abilit ...
Minimum qualifications
Drug Chemistry/Toxicology - Bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry, toxicology, pharmaceutical science with chemistry concentration (organic, inorganic, analytical or physical), forensic science (with concentration in chemistry or toxicology), biochemistry, pharmacology or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Latent Evidence - Bachelor's degree with a major in forensic science, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physical science, criminal justice or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Digital Evidence ...
Special requirements
Digital Evidence - Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within eighteen months of the date the analyst becomes eligible to seek certification according to the standards of the certifying entity.
Quoted from the OSHR class specification, read 2026-10-21.
Where this comes from
North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) publishes this figure in OSHR salary schedules, joined to Class Specifications. Every number on this page is read from that document; nothing is estimated, modelled or averaged.
Job titles and their salary grades come from the Class Specifications, joined to the salary schedule.
Nearby classes in North Carolina
Forensic Scientist I in other states
| State | Minimum | Maximum | Per year at full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $5,031 | $7,043 | $60,372 to $84,516 |
| Illinois | $73,620 | $111,684 | $73,620 to $111,684 |
| Massachusetts | $2,712 | $3,949 | $70,521 to $102,666 |
| Texas | $51,158 | $81,351 | $51,158 to $81,351 |
Each state publishes its own range for a classification with this exact title. Duties, grade structures and bargaining units differ between states, so read each class page before comparing.