Forensic DNA Scientist 2 pay range
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania · class code 72057
- Class code
- 72057
- Pay scale group
- ST 08
- Pay unit
- Year
- Bargaining unit
- B4
- State
- Pennsylvania
- The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania published pay range for Forensic DNA Scientist 2 is $69,086 to $104,959 per year.
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of Administration keys this classification as class code 72057.
- This is the range the plan authorises, not the salary of any individual employee.
Class specification
The Commonwealth job specification for this class is published by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of Administration. 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 07/01/2020.
What the state says the job is
This is advanced professional laboratory work in the chemical and biological analysis of forensic human DNA. An employee in this job performs independent casework involving the most complex chemical and biological analysis and comparison of human DNA samples and evidence gathered and submitted by law enforcement authorities. Work involves independent analysis of forensic DNA casework; independent identification and analysis of DNA samples collected from known individuals; and reviewing casework processed by other laboratory staff. Work may include conducting validation tests of new DNA equipment, technologies, and procedures.
Examples of the work
• Performs routine and advanced scientific analysis of casework that involves the full range of evidence and examination techniques associated with the DNA discipline area. • Conducts technical and administrative reviews of DNA casework processed by other scientists by examining records of analysis and analytical reports to either concur with actions taken and concluded results or return for correction or further analysis. • Examines criminal evidence which is, or is expected to be, of significant interest to the news media or judicial system. • Interacts with criminal investigators, legal authorities, and other laboratories regarding evidence to be examined and the results of analysis.
Minimum qualifications
• One year as a Forensic DNA Scientist 1 (commonwealth title); or • One year as a Forensic Scientist 1 (commonwealth title), and three credits each in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and population genetics or statistics; or • Two years of professional laboratory work experience in the chemical and biological analysis of forensic human DNA evidence, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or a closely related physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by 16 college credits in chemistry and three credits each in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and population genetics or statistics.
Quoted from the Commonwealth job specification, read 2026-10-21.
Where this comes from
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of Administration publishes this figure in Classification and Pay Plan (online, current annual salary ranges). Every number on this page is read from that document; nothing is estimated, modelled or averaged.
The Commonwealth also links this class code to its own job title and specification. That page is the official description of the classification; this page publishes its pay range.
The listed pay scale is available in the Commonwealth's current ST schedule.