Georgia’s crime scene investigators play a crucial role in the state’s criminal justice system, collecting and analyzing evidence that helps solve cases from Atlanta’s bustling metro area to smaller communities across the Peach State. With the field experiencing steady growth and offering competitive salaries averaging $61,420 per year, according to 2024 federal data, pursuing a career in forensic science and criminal justice in Georgia presents strong opportunities for those interested in these fields.
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Key takeaway:
Georgia CSIs earn an average of $61,420 annually with top professionals making over $83,600. Entry requires a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or related field, with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and major metro departments offering the most opportunities.
Quick Facts: CSI Careers in Georgia
- Average Annual Salary: $61,420 (2024 BLS data)
- Entry-Level Salary: $39,060
- Top 10% Earn: $83,600+
- Total Jobs Statewide: 540 forensic science technicians
- Education Required: A bachelor’s degree is typically required
- Job Growth: 13% projected through 2032 (faster than average)
- Major Employers: GBI, Atlanta PD, Clayton County, DeKalb County
Understanding what a CSI does is essential before pursuing this career path. Crime scene investigators in Georgia work alongside law enforcement to document crime scenes, collect physical evidence, perform laboratory analyses, and testify in court proceedings.
2024 CSI Salary Data for Georgia
According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2024, forensic science technicians in Georgia earn competitive salaries that have increased significantly over the past decade. The statewide average of $61,420 represents an 80% increase from 2012 figures, reflecting the growing importance and specialization of this field.
| Location | Employment | Average Annual Salary | Entry Level (10th %) | Median | Top Earners (90th %) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia (Statewide) | 540 | $61,420 | $39,060 | $58,500 | $83,600 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell | 370 | $63,780 | $39,200 | $60,870 | $86,160 |
| Savannah | 50 | $61,750 | $41,580 | $58,500 | $8US600 |
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Forensic Science Technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2025.
Several factors influence CSI salaries in Georgia, including education level, years of experience, specialized certifications, and the specific agency or jurisdiction in which the individual works. Law enforcement agencies typically offer additional benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for educational advancement.
Requirements to Become a CSI in Georgia
Georgia doesn’t have a single statewide certification requirement for crime scene investigators, which means requirements vary by employer. However, most agencies follow similar standards when hiring CSI professionals. Understanding these requirements helps aspiring investigators prepare effectively for their career path.
Basic Requirements for Most Georgia CSI Positions
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which sets the standard for many local agencies, requires candidates to meet these minimum qualifications. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and be U.S. citizens. A valid Georgia driver’s license is essential, as CSIs frequently travel to crime scenes throughout their jurisdiction.
Educational requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, criminal justice, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Some smaller departments may accept an associate degree combined with relevant experience, but career advancement often requires a four-year degree.
Background checks are extensive and include a thorough review of a candidate’s criminal history, as well as an examination of their moral character and record, with a focus on ensuring a clean slate, including no history of felony convictions or patterns of misdemeanor offenses.
Specialized Requirements by Agency
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Division of Forensic Sciences maintains some of the state’s strictest requirements. Forensic scientists working in GBI crime labs typically require a Bachelor of Science in chemistry or a degree in forensic science with a minimum of 40 semester hours in chemistry. They prefer candidates with laboratory experience and may require specific coursework in analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, and instrumental analysis.
Local agencies, such as the Atlanta Police Department and the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, may have additional requirements, including completion of their specific training academies, physical fitness standards, and residency requirements within certain distances of their jurisdictions.
Education and Training Pathways
Georgia offers multiple educational pathways for aspiring crime scene investigators, from certificate programs to advanced degrees. The state’s universities and colleges provide comprehensive programs that combine classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory experience essential for CSI work.
Degree Programs Available in Georgia
Certificate program providers offer entry-level training in specialized areas, such as fingerprint analysis, crime scene photography, or evidence collection. These programs typically last 6-12 months and are well-suited for current law enforcement officers seeking specialization or career changers testing their interest in the field.
Associate degree programs in criminal justice or forensic science provide a bachelor’s level of knowledge over two years. While some entry-level positions accept this qualification, most students use associate degrees as stepping stones to bachelor’s programs through Georgia’s seamless transfer agreements between community colleges and universities.
Bachelor’s degree programs remain the gold standard for careers in CSI in Georgia. Four-year programs in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or criminal justice with forensic concentrations prepare students for both crime scene work and laboratory analysis. Programs typically include internships with local law enforcement agencies, providing crucial real-world experience.
Master’s degree programs in forensic science or related fields prepare professionals for leadership roles, specialized positions, or careers in federal agencies. Advanced degrees also qualify graduates for teaching positions in Georgia’s expanding forensic science education sector.
Key Skills and Coursework
Successful CSI programs in Georgia emphasize both scientific knowledge and practical skills. Core coursework includes criminal law and procedure, evidence collection and preservation, forensic chemistry and biology, crime scene documentation and photography, as well as courtroom testimony preparation.
Laboratory courses provide hands-on experience with DNA analysis techniques, fingerprint identification systems, ballistics and toolmark examination, drug identification and toxicology, and digital evidence recovery. Many programs also incorporate emerging technologies, such as 3D crime scene scanning and advanced DNA sequencing methods.
Professional Certifications
While Georgia doesn’t mandate specific certifications, professional credentials significantly enhance career prospects. The International Association for Identification (IAI) offers several certifications relevant to Georgia employers. These include Crime Scene Certification, Latent Print Certification, and Forensic Photography Certification.
The American Board of Criminalistics offers specialty certifications in areas such as drug analysis, molecular biology, and trace evidence. These credentials demonstrate expertise and commitment to professional development, often leading to higher salaries and advancement opportunities.
Major Employers and Agencies
Georgia’s crime scene investigators find employment across various levels of law enforcement, from small municipal departments to state and federal agencies. Understanding the landscape of potential employers helps job seekers target their applications effectively.
State-Level Opportunities
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Division of Forensic Sciences operates seven regional crime laboratories throughout the state. These facilities employ forensic scientists specializing in various disciplines, including DNA analysis, toxicology, firearms examination, and trace evidence. The GBI offers excellent benefits, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on high-profile cases across the state of Georgia.
GBI regional offices typically include dedicated crime scene personnel; however, staffing levels may vary depending on the lab’s size and jurisdictional needs. These sworn officers respond to major crimes, officer-involved shootings, and cases requiring specialized expertise. Working for the GBI provides exposure to diverse cases and access to cutting-edge forensic technology.
Metropolitan and County Agencies
Metro Atlanta agencies offer the highest concentration of CSI positions in the state of Georgia. The Atlanta Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division employs civilian and sworn CSIs who process hundreds of crime scenes monthly. The department’s crime lab provides additional opportunities for forensic technicians specializing in firearms identification and drug analysis.
Clayton County’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit is known for its dedicated team of full-time officers specializing in evidence collection and analysis, though specific staffing numbers may vary. Their comprehensive training program and modern facilities make Clayton County an attractive employer for CSI professionals.
DeKalb County’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit handles complex scene analysis using advanced field technology. They seek candidates with strong technical skills and offer competitive salaries that reflect the higher cost of living in the Atlanta metro area.
Other significant employers include the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, the Cobb County Police Department, the Gwinnett County Police Department, and the Columbus Police Department’s Identification Division. Each agency offers unique advantages, from specialized units to advancement opportunities.
Federal Opportunities in Georgia
Federal agencies maintain a significant presence in Georgia, offering CSI-related positions with excellent benefits and nationwide mobility. The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office employs Evidence Response Team members who process crime scenes for federal investigations. Requirements include prior law enforcement experience and completion of FBI-specific training.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory at Gillem Enclave represents a unique opportunity. As the Department of Defense’s only full-service forensic laboratory, it employs civilian scientists who support military criminal investigations worldwide. Positions require advanced degrees and often security clearances, but offer unparalleled experience in battlefield forensics and international cases.
Atlanta CSI Careers
Metro Atlanta, home to over 6 million residents, generates the highest demand for crime scene investigators in the state of Georgia. The region’s 370 forensic science technician positions represent nearly 70% of the state’s total employment in this field. This concentration creates abundant opportunities but also intense competition for positions.
Atlanta Police Department Opportunities
The Atlanta Police Department operates one of Georgia’s busiest crime scene units, responding to thousands of calls annually. Their Identification Unit handles crime scene photography and fingerprint processing, while the crime lab provides 24/7 support for evidence analysis. The department values diversity and actively recruits candidates from various educational backgrounds.
APD offers comprehensive benefits, including educational incentives for advanced degrees. Starting salaries for civilian CSI positions begin around $48,000, reaching $65,000 to $75,000 for experienced investigators. The department’s internship program provides college students with valuable experience and often leads to full-time employment upon graduation.
Suburban Atlanta Agencies
Suburban departments often offer advantages over city departments, including lower crime volumes, allowing for more thorough scene processing, modern facilities and equipment, and sometimes higher salaries due to affluent tax bases. Agencies in Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, and Roswell, in particular, seek qualified CSI professionals as their communities continue to grow.
Competition for suburban positions can be fierce, with agencies able to be selective in hiring. However, these departments often provide better work-life balance and advancement opportunities due to their smaller, more personal organizational structures.
Augusta CSI Opportunities
Augusta, Georgia’s second-largest city, offers distinct advantages for CSI careers despite having fewer total positions than Atlanta. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and GBI regional laboratory provide the primary employment opportunities, with approximately 30-40 total positions in the metropolitan area.
Richmond County Sheriff’s Office
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office crime scene unit is comprised of dedicated deputies who handle evidence collection and analysis. Their 2012 move to a state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced technology, including automated fingerprint systems with palm print capabilities, chemical fuming hoods, and blood evidence drying lockers, demonstrates the agency’s commitment to excellence in forensic science.
What makes Augusta unique is the career progression path. CSI positions typically go to experienced deputies who’ve worked road patrol and homicide investigations. This approach ensures CSIs understand the whole investigative process and the critical importance of proper evidence handling.
GBI Regional Crime Laboratory
Augusta’s GBI crime laboratory serves 13 counties in east Georgia, processing evidence from rural areas to small cities. Forensic scientists here gain exposure to a diverse range of case types while maintaining reasonable caseloads compared to those in metro Atlanta. The lab specializes in chemistry (drug analysis), firearms and toolmarks examination, forensic biology and DNA analysis, latent fingerprint examination, questioned document analysis, toxicology testing, and trace evidence analysis.
Working in Augusta offers a lower cost of living compared to Atlanta while maintaining competitive salaries. The smaller forensic community fosters mentorship opportunities and professional development that might be harder to find in larger cities.
Job Outlook and Growth
The forensic science field in Georgia exhibits strong growth potential, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 13% national growth rate through 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Georgia’s growing population and evolving criminal justice needs suggest similar or better growth rates statewide.
Technology drives much of this growth as agencies adopt advanced forensic techniques. Digital forensics, in particular, represents an expanding specialty as cybercrime continues to increase. CSIs with computer skills and digital evidence training find themselves in high demand across Georgia agencies.
Retirements create additional opportunities as experienced investigators reach pension eligibility. Many agencies face succession planning challenges, opening doors for well-prepared entry-level candidates. Departments increasingly value diverse backgrounds and life experiences, recognizing their contribution to effective investigations.
Budget considerations affect hiring, particularly in smaller jurisdictions. However, federal grants often support forensic improvements, creating positions even during tight budget cycles. The ongoing emphasis on criminal justice reform and evidence-based prosecution further reinforces the importance of quality forensic work.
How to Get Started
Beginning your CSI career in Georgia requires strategic planning and preparation. Start by researching specific agencies where you’d like to work, understanding their unique requirements and culture. Many departments offer ride-along programs or citizen academies providing insight into their operations.
Educational preparation should align with your career goals. When targeting GBI positions, ensure your degree includes substantial coursework in chemistry. For local agencies that emphasize crime scene work over laboratory analysis, criminal justice degrees with forensic concentrations may be sufficient. Consider minoring in photography, computer science, or a foreign language to distinguish yourself from other candidates.
Gain relevant experience through internships, volunteer work with law enforcement agencies, or entry-level positions in laboratories or medical examiner offices. Many successful CSIs started as evidence technicians, laboratory assistants, or police officers before specializing in crime scene investigation.
Network within Georgia’s forensic science community by joining professional organizations like the Georgia Division of the International Association for Identification. Attend conferences, training sessions, and workshops to build connections and stay current with developments in the field.
Prepare thoroughly for the application process. Beyond meeting minimum requirements, successful candidates demonstrate attention to detail in their applications, strong communication skills during interviews, physical fitness for crime scene work, emotional resilience for dealing with traumatic scenes, and commitment to continuing education and professional development.
Consider starting with smaller agencies to gain experience before applying to highly competitive positions. Rural counties and smaller cities often provide excellent training and rapid advancement opportunities for motivated investigators.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do crime scene investigators make in Georgia?
According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, crime scene investigators in Georgia earn an average annual salary of $61,420. Entry-level positions typically start around $39,060, while experienced investigators can earn over $83,600 annually. The Atlanta metropolitan area offers slightly higher salaries, averaging $63,780 per year.
Do I need to be a police officer to become a CSI in Georgia?
Not necessarily. While some agencies like the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office prefer hiring sworn officers for CSI positions, many departments, including Atlanta PD and Clayton County, employ civilian crime scene investigators. Civilian positions typically require relevant education and often have distinct career paths compared to sworn positions.
What degree is required to become a CSI in Georgia?
Most Georgia agencies require a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, criminal justice, chemistry, biology, or a related field. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation requires a chemistry degree or a forensic science degree with at least 40 credit hours in chemistry for laboratory positions. Some smaller agencies may accept associate degrees with relevant experience.
How long does it take to become a crime scene investigator in Georgia?
The timeline varies based on your educational path and the specific position. Earning a bachelor’s degree takes approximately four years. Additional time may be required to gain experience through internships or entry-level positions. Most agencies also require completion of their training academies, which can range from several weeks to several months in duration.
Is there a demand for CSIs in the state of Georgia?
Yes, demand remains strong for qualified crime scene investigators in the state of Georgia. The field is projected to grow 13% through 2032, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. Retirements, technological advances requiring new expertise, and Georgia’s population growth all contribute to ongoing job opportunities in the state.
What skills are most important for CSI work?
Successful CSIs combine technical skills with personal qualities. Critical skills include attention to detail for evidence collection, scientific knowledge for analysis, photography and documentation abilities, computer proficiency for digital evidence and reporting, and strong communication skills for report writing and court testimony. Personal qualities like emotional resilience, physical stamina, and ethical integrity are equally important.
Can I specialize in a particular area of crime scene investigation?
Yes, Georgia offers numerous specialization opportunities. Typical specialties include DNA analysis, fingerprint examination, digital forensics, ballistics and firearms, toxicology, and crime scene photography. Specialization typically requires additional training and certification, but often leads to higher salaries and advancement opportunities. Discover more about specialized fields such as forensic DNA analysis or crime scene photography.
What’s the difference between a CSI and a forensic scientist?
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, CSIs typically focus on crime scene documentation and evidence collection, while forensic scientists primarily work in laboratories analyzing evidence. Some positions combine both roles. In Georgia, larger agencies often separate these functions, while smaller departments may have personnel performing both duties. Understanding what forensic science entails helps clarify these distinctions.
Are there online CSI programs available for students in Georgia?
Yes, several accredited institutions offer online forensic science and criminal justice programs accessible to Georgia residents. Online programs provide flexibility for working professionals or those in areas without nearby colleges. However, ensure that any program includes hands-on laboratory components or internship opportunities, as practical experience remains crucial for careers in CSI.
What agencies in Georgia hire the most CSIs?
The largest employers include the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which has positions statewide; the Atlanta Police Department and metro area agencies; the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, with its dedicated CSI unit; DeKalb and Fulton County agencies; and larger cities such as Columbus, Augusta, and Savannah. Federal agencies, such as the FBI and the Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, also employ forensic professionals in Georgia.
Key Takeaways
Crime scene investigation in Georgia offers rewarding career opportunities with competitive salaries now averaging $61,420 annually. The field continues to grow, driven by technological advances and retirements that create openings for qualified candidates. Success requires an appropriate education, typically a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a related field, combined with practical experience and ongoing professional development.
Georgia’s diverse agencies, from the GBI to local departments, provide varied career paths for CSI professionals. Whether working in Metro Atlanta’s fast-paced environment or serving smaller communities, crime scene investigators play vital roles in Georgia’s criminal justice system. With proper preparation and dedication, aspiring CSIs can build meaningful careers contributing to public safety and justice across the Peach State.
For those ready to begin their journey, researching educational programs, understanding agency requirements, and gaining relevant experience represent crucial first steps. Consider exploring related career paths in Georgia, such as those available in neighboring Florida’s CSI field, to understand regional variations and opportunities.
