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Analytical Technician / Chemist / Scientist, Biological Sciences Technician / Technologist, Biological Scientist, Crime Laboratory Analyst, Forensic Chemist / Biologist / Toxicologist, Investigator, Laboratory Technician / Technologist, Physical Sciences Technician / Technologist, Physical Scientist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Forensic laboratory analysts examine physical evidence to:
Their duties vary depending on their areas of expertise:
Forensic laboratory analysts work as either scientists or technologists. In general, scientists in all sections:
In general, technologists in all sections conduct tests and examinations and take part in in-house research. They also:
Forensic laboratory analysts receive and analyze materials from crime scenes. They present and discuss the results with police investigators, lawyers, and medical practitioners.
Forensic laboratory analysts often work in teams. Sometimes, they perform part of an analysis before passing a case to another analyst. They may need to work overtime when there are high volumes of work. Specialists may travel to testify in criminal proceedings and other hearings.
Analysts who work for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) may be transferred to other lab locations and must be prepared to travel.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus, to operate chemical and petrochemical pilot plants, and to conduct air and water quality testing and assessments
Interest in analyzing data to develop and conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates and products
Interest in supervising to oversee environmental monitoring and protection activities and compliance with standards; in assisting in the development of chemical engineering processes, standards, procedures and health and safety measures; in assisting in studies of chemical engineering procurement, construction, inspection and maintenance; and in preparing solutions of gas and liquid, reagents and sample formulations
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Forensic laboratory analysts need:
They should enjoy using tools, instruments, and equipment to perform precision tasks. They should be comfortable with analyzing information, solving problems, and supervising the work of others.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 70 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and Nov 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 37 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 33 |
| Tasks: MS Office | 31 |
| Tasks: Assist in developing and conducting sampling and analysis | 30 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 28 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 28 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 27 |
| Tasks: Assist in set up and conduction of chemical experiments | 27 |
| Tasks: Compile records for analytical studies | 27 |
| Tasks: Compile records and interpret experimental or analytical results | 26 |
The minimum academic requirement for scientists in most of the discipline areas is a 4-year degree in physical, life, or forensic sciences. Specific degree and course requirements vary depending on the employer and type of work. For example, some positions require a degree in a chemical or physical science, or mechanical engineering. Other positions require more specific qualifications. These may include an honours bachelor of science degree, or in some cases a graduate degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.). This may be in a field such as forensic science, biology, biochemistry, biomedical science, chemistry, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology, or population genetics and statistics.
The minimum academic requirement for technologists is a post-secondary diploma or degree in physical, life, or forensic sciences. Some positions require a 3-year diploma or specific courses.
Outside of Alberta, a variety of schools across Canada offer programs related to forensic sciences. The Canadian Society of Forensic Science (CSFS) maintains a listing of programs.
After they are hired, specialists and technologists must complete in-house training programs before doing any casework. Training programs for specialists range in length from 9 months to 2 years or more. Training programs for technologists take up to 18 months to complete.
Professional development varies depending on employer and area of specialty. However, there is usually a program of on-the-job training and development involving short courses and practical case work. Areas covered may include laboratory skills and proficiency tests, blood pattern analysis, and statement writing. Course may also include training in health and safety, courtroom and presentation skills, and project management.
The changing nature of forensic science means that it’s vital to keep up to date with the latest research and developments. CSFS provides continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities such as conferences, seminars, lectures, and workshops. External providers may offer additional approved CPD on topics such as recognizing, excavating, and recording hidden graves, and human skeletal anatomy.
A masters or Ph.D. in forensic science or in a forensic specialty such as archaeology or anthropology may be helpful for certain specific cases.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Forensic laboratory analysts work for:
In Alberta, the Medical Examiner’s Office is responsible for performing autopsies. It also performs toxicological work in cases where no foul play is suspected.
The RCMP is responsible for most other forensic laboratory work in criminal cases (except in Ontario and Quebec, which have their own provincial police forces and laboratories).
Environmental and some arson-related forensic work in Alberta is performed by various small private laboratories.
Advancement usually takes the form of scheduled pay increases and increased responsibility for one or more types of analysis. Further training is typically required in order to advance. Experienced forensic laboratory analysts may be promoted to supervisory positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Chemical technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2211
80.6% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.50 | $50.24 | $34.14 | $35.90 |
| Overall | $20.52 | $63.59 | $42.15 | $41.28 |
| Top | $21.08 | $86.31 | $46.60 | $43.73 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $81,510 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $86,125 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $78,710 |
| Public Administration | $85,175 |
American Academy of Forensic Sciences website: www.aafs.org
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners website: www.acfe.com
Canadian Society of Forensic Science website: www.csfs.ca
Royal Canadian Mounted Police website, Forensic Science and Identification Services section: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Technology Alberta website: technologyalberta.com
The Chartered Society of Forensic Science website: www.csofs.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 23, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
