What does a forensic technician do? – Tasks and work environment
A forensic technician works closely with doctors and forensic personnel to prepare and assist with autopsies. The role involves receiving and identifying the deceased, documenting findings, and handling samples for further analysis. Tasks also include cleaning and maintaining autopsy rooms and managing protective equipment and infection risks. The environment is often clinical and sterile, and the work requires high precision, integrity, and respect for both the deceased and relatives.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, forensic technicians have experienced steady salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 27,100 SEK per month, increasing to 29 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 30 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 11% during the period. The development reflects increased demand within the healthcare sector and general wage pressures in other healthcare and care professions. Differences in education level and responsibility can also influence salary development, as well as regional variations and the employer sector.
Forensic technician salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 26,500 SEK (female, government sector, short pre-high school education)
- Highest salary: 41,700 SEK (female, municipal sector, postgraduate education)
- Highest male salary: 35,600 SEK
- Lowest male salary: 26,800 SEK
- Hourly wage: 181 SEK/hour (average, hourly employed)
- Women earn: 30 400 SEK (102% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 29 800 SEK
- Regional differences: Data varies, but differences occur depending on employer and location.
Education and qualifications
To work as a forensic technician, no formal university degree is required, but employers often seek high school education with a focus on healthcare and care. Practical experience from healthcare professions, laboratory work, or anatomy is advantageous. Many employers offer internal training, and specialized courses in forensic medicine and autopsy techniques are also available.
- High school education: Healthcare and care program, 3 years
- Specialized courses: In forensic medicine, anatomy, or laboratory work
- Internship: Often a requirement in healthcare or laboratory environments
- Internal training: Common upon employment
- Prerequisites: Good physical health, stress resilience, and integrity
Forensic technicians often have a unique insight into medical processes and work closely with both doctors and forensic personnel, which can provide valuable experience for those wishing to develop within medicine or the legal system.
Common benefits and compensations
Forensic technicians are often covered by collective agreements and offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, subsidized lunch, and extra vacation days. Overtime work may be compensated with overtime pay. Some employers also offer training stipends and opportunities for professional development.
Challenges and competition
The job market for forensic technicians is relatively small and specialized, which can lead to competition for available positions. Since the profession is part of a broader healthcare and care group, demand is influenced by changes in healthcare resources and priorities. A major challenge is managing the emotional and sometimes psychologically demanding work content. Precision, respect for the deceased and relatives, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial for success and job satisfaction. The availability of training places and internship opportunities can also impact the competitive situation.
Tips for aspiring forensic technicians
To succeed as a forensic technician, it is good to combine empathy with a strong sense of detail and structure. Being meticulous and methodical facilitates documentation and sample handling, while stress resistance helps manage pressured situations. Good physical health is an advantage since the work can be physically demanding and involve heavy lifting. Showing respect and integrity toward both the deceased and relatives is essential, especially in sensitive contexts. It is also wise to seek internships and be open to internal training, as much of the profession's skills are built through on-the-job experience. Finally, good teamwork skills are important, as the work is done closely with doctors and other healthcare staff.
Key facts about Forensic Technicians
- Educational level: High school education (healthcare and care)
- Work environment: Clinical, often at hospitals or forensic departments
- Work form: Full-time or part-time, often daytime but some standby may occur
- Demand: Limited number of positions, approx. 375 job openings within the profession
- Special skills: Anatomy, hygiene routines, and sample handling
Career paths and future outlook
After a few years of experience as a forensic technician, there are opportunities to take on more responsibility, such as team leader or training coordinator within autopsy. Some choose to further their education as biomedical analysts, forensic assistants, or other specialized roles within laboratory medicine. The forecast for the profession is difficult to specify as it is part of the broader category of healthcare and care personnel, where the Employment Service does not make a separate assessment due to limited data. However, matching with available jobs indicates a certain recruitment need in the field, and experience from the profession can be valuable for further careers in medicine or the legal system.
Frequently asked questions about Forensic Technicians
- What does a forensic technician earn?
- The average salary is 30 200 SEK per month, but it can vary between 26,500 SEK and 41,700 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
- How does one become a forensic technician?
- Most commonly, a high school education in healthcare and care, along with internships and internal training at the workplace.
- Are there any gender differences in salary?
- Yes, women earn an average of 30 400 SEK and men 29 800 SEK, which means women earn 102% of what men do within the profession.
- What is the work environment like for a forensic technician?
- The work environment is clinical and sterile, with requirements for meticulous hygiene and protective equipment.
- What personal qualities are important?
- Accuracy, integrity, stress resistance, and empathy are central qualities for the profession.
- What are the future prospects?
- The prognosis is uncertain, but there are available positions within the profession, and experience can offer good opportunities for career advancement.
- What benefits are offered?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, overtime pay, and professional development.
