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Forensic Scientist III pay range

State of North Carolina · class code 32000083

$63,927 to $111,871 per year$63,927$111,871MINIMUM · MIDPOINT $87,899 · MAXIMUM

Published per year range, State of North Carolina

Class code
32000083
Pay group
NC18
Pay unit
Year
State
North Carolina

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 professional forensic analysis work that requires the analysis of forensic evidence in a crime laboratory setting. Positions examine and analyze evidence for the most complex casework, make judgments and testify in court as necessary to explain and defend their findings. Positions operate with considerable technical independence and are recognized as experts in their respective disciplines of forensic science. Work includes reviewing the work of laboratory analysts and assistants; assisting in the training of new analysts; researching and evaluating new equipment, techniques and methods; and making recommendations on their adoption; conducting consultations and participating in pretrial conferences with prosecutors and defense attorneys; and training and advising agents and other law enforcement officers.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles, concepts theories, reference sources and laboratory practices involved with the forensic examination of evidence. Thorough knowledge of criminal law and of the rules and regulations regarding evidence gathering and handling. Thorough 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, and 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. ...

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 and four years of experience performing bench level analysis in drug chemistry / toxicology; 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 accredi ...

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

Farmland Preservation Program Manager $63,927 to $111,871Chemist II $63,927 to $111,871Environmental Program Consultant $63,927 to $111,871Meteorologist $63,927 to $111,871Geologist/Hydrogeologist $63,927 to $111,871Microbiologist II $63,927 to $111,871Agricultural Research Superintendent II $63,927 to $111,871Conservation Biologist II $63,927 to $111,871

Forensic Scientist III in other states

StateMinimumMaximumPer year at full time
Colorado$7,803$10,926$93,636 to $131,112
Illinois$91,224$140,784$91,224 to $140,784
Massachusetts$3,254$4,775$84,597 to $124,145
Texas$57,614$93,138$57,614 to $93,138

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.

All North Carolina classifications