Forensic science professionals play a crucial role in solving crimes throughout Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. If you’re considering a career as a crime scene investigator in the Allentown-Bethlehem area, understanding the educational requirements, certification pathways, and local job opportunities is essential for your career planning.
Key takeaway:
Crime scene investigators in the Allentown-Bethlehem metro area typically earn between $47,000 and $60,000, depending on the agency, role, and experience. A bachelor’s degree in forensic science or criminal justice plus specialized training provides the foundation for this rewarding career.
Table of Contents
Educational Requirements for CSI Careers
Becoming a crime scene investigator in Lehigh County requires specific educational preparation. Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, though the exact field of study can vary depending on the agency and role.
The Pennsylvania State Police, which operates a regional forensic laboratory in Bethlehem, requires civilian forensic scientists to hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or forensic science. Candidates with degrees in fields other than chemistry must have completed at least 16 credit hours of chemistry coursework to qualify.
For municipal police departments in Allentown and Bethlehem, the path often involves first becoming a police officer. The Bethlehem Police Department requires an associate’s degree or 60 college credits for entry-level positions, while forensic detective roles require additional specialized training following the completion of patrol experience.
Several Pennsylvania institutions offer accredited forensic science programs that provide the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for careers in criminal investigation. These programs typically include coursework in chemistry, biology, criminal justice, evidence collection, and forensic analysis techniques.
Professional Certification Options
While Pennsylvania doesn’t mandate specific certifications for crime scene investigators, professional credentials significantly enhance career prospects and demonstrate expertise to employers.
The International Association for Identification (IAI) offers the most recognized CSI certification programs in the field. Their Crime Scene Certification program requires specific educational, training, and experience thresholds, as well as passing a comprehensive examination.
Additional certification options include specialized credentials in areas like bloodstain pattern analysis, footwear and tire track examination, and forensic photography. Each specialization requires dedicated training and often years of field experience before qualification.
CSI Job Opportunities in Lehigh County
Lehigh County offers diverse employment opportunities for forensic science professionals across state and municipal agencies. Understanding where these positions exist helps focus your job search and career planning efforts.
Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Forensic Services
The regional laboratory in Bethlehem employs both civilian forensic scientists and enlisted forensic examiners. This facility provides comprehensive forensic services to law enforcement agencies throughout the region.
Laboratory positions include specialists in serology and DNA analysis, controlled substance identification, toxicology testing, ballistics examination, and automated fingerprint identification. Each specialty area requires specific educational backgrounds and technical expertise.
Municipal Police Departments
Local police departments maintain their own forensic capabilities for processing crime scenes and collecting evidence. While many CSI roles at municipal departments are filled by sworn officers with patrol experience, some departments also hire civilian CSIs with the appropriate forensic training.
The Allentown Police Department’s Records and Identification Division is responsible for handling crime scene photography, evidence processing, and fingerprint analysis. These positions may be filled by either sworn officers with specialized training or qualified civilian personnel, depending on the department’s current structure and needs.
Bethlehem’s Forensic Services Unit, part of the Criminal Investigations Division, employs forensic detectives who respond to crime scenes, document evidence, and work closely with investigators to solve cases. The specific requirements vary based on whether the position is sworn or civilian.
Crime Scene Investigator Salary in Lehigh County
Understanding salary expectations helps you make informed decisions about your career. Crime scene investigators in the Allentown-Bethlehem metro area typically earn between $47,000 and $60,000, depending on the agency, role, and experience. The national median is $64,940 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Geographic Area | Median Annual Salary | Entry Level (10th %) | Experienced (90th %) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem Metro | $47,880 | $35,000* | $65,000* | 50 |
| Pennsylvania Statewide | $57,820 | $40,260 | $84,410 | 440 |
| United States | $64,940 | $38,710 | $107,490 | 17,950 |
*Estimated based on regional wage patterns. Actual salaries vary depending on the employer, experience, and specialization.
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.
Salary variations depend on several factors, including education level, years of experience, specialized certifications, and the specific employing agency. State positions often offer higher salaries than municipal roles, but may have more stringent requirements.
Career Paths and Specializations
Crime scene investigation offers multiple career trajectories based on your interests and expertise. Understanding these pathways helps you plan your professional development strategically.
Entry-Level Positions
Most CSI careers begin with roles such as evidence technician or crime scene technician. These positions involve responding to crime scenes, photographing evidence, collecting physical samples, and maintaining documentation of the chain of custody.
New graduates often start in laboratory assistant positions, supporting senior forensic scientists while gaining hands-on experience with analytical equipment and procedures.
Advanced Specializations
With experience, crime scene investigators can specialize in specific forensic disciplines. DNA analysis specialists focus on processing biological evidence and conducting genetic identification. Ballistics experts analyze firearms, ammunition, and trajectory patterns. Digital forensics specialists recover and analyze electronic evidence from computers and mobile devices.
Each specialization requires additional training and often advanced education. Many professionals pursue master’s degrees in forensic science or related fields to qualify for senior positions.
Leadership Opportunities
Experienced CSIs can advance into supervisory roles, managing forensic units or laboratory sections. These positions combine technical expertise with administrative responsibilities, including budget management, staff supervision, and quality assurance oversight.
Some professionals transition into forensic consulting, providing expert witness testimony or training other law enforcement personnel in evidence collection techniques.
How to Start Your CSI Career
Taking the right steps early in your career preparation significantly improves your chances of securing a crime scene investigator position in Lehigh County.
Step 1: Obtain Relevant Education
Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, criminal justice, chemistry, or biology. Pennsylvania offers several accredited programs that provide excellent preparation for CSI careers. Focus on programs that include laboratory experience and internship opportunities.
Consider supplementing your major with coursework in photography, computer science, and technical writing. These skills prove valuable in documenting crime scenes and preparing investigative reports.
Step 2: Gain Practical Experience
Seek internships with local law enforcement agencies or forensic laboratories during your undergraduate studies. The Pennsylvania State Police and larger municipal departments often offer student internship programs that provide hands-on experience.
Volunteer opportunities with medical examiner offices or coroner departments offer additional exposure to forensic procedures and death investigation protocols.
Step 3: Develop Technical Skills
Master essential technical competencies, including fingerprint analysis, evidence photography, and crime scene sketching. Many community colleges offer continuing education courses in specific forensic techniques.
Stay current with technological advances in forensic science by attending professional conferences and workshops. The Pennsylvania Division of the IAI hosts regular training events throughout the state.
Step 4: Pursue Entry-Level Positions
Apply for evidence technician or laboratory assistant positions to begin building professional experience. Many agencies prefer candidates who demonstrate commitment through entry-level service before advancing to full CSI roles.
For sworn officer CSI positions, complete Act 120 certification at an approved Pennsylvania police academy. This training provides the foundation for law enforcement positions with crime scene responsibilities. Note: Act 120 is required only for sworn law enforcement positions. Civilian forensic roles do not require this certification.
Local Law Enforcement Agencies
Understanding the structure of local law enforcement helps identify potential employers and career opportunities in the forensic science field of Lehigh County.
Allentown Police Department
As Lehigh County’s largest city, Allentown maintains a comprehensive forensic capability within its police department. The Records and Identification Division processes evidence from the city’s approximately 40,000 annual calls for service.
The department serves a population of over 125,000 residents and handles a diverse range of crime types, requiring various forensic specialties. Crime scene investigators work closely with detectives in the Criminal Investigations Division to solve property crimes, violent offenses, and complex investigations.
Bethlehem Police Department
Bethlehem’s Forensic Services Unit provides crime scene processing for the city’s 75,000 residents. The unit specializes in digital photography, latent fingerprint recovery, and evidence preservation techniques.
Forensic detectives in Bethlehem receive specialized training through the department and external agencies. The department emphasizes continuous professional development and supports officers pursuing advanced forensic certifications.
Pennsylvania State Police Troop M
Troop M, headquartered in Bethlehem, provides law enforcement services to smaller municipalities throughout Lehigh County that lack their own police departments. State troopers trained in crime scene processing respond to incidents across the county’s rural and suburban areas.
The troop collaborates closely with the Bethlehem Regional Laboratory, facilitating the submission of evidence and maintaining the chain of custody for criminal investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need to become a CSI in Lehigh County?
Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in a field such as forensic science, criminal justice, biology, or chemistry. The Pennsylvania State Police specifically requires science degrees for civilian forensic scientists, while municipal departments may accept broader educational backgrounds combined with law enforcement training.
How long does it take to become a crime scene investigator?
The typical pathway takes 4-6 years, encompassing the completion of a bachelor’s degree (4 years) and gaining entry-level experience (1-2 years). Officers pursuing CSI roles through law enforcement must complete police academy training (six months) and gain patrol experience (two to three years) before specializing.
Do I need to be a police officer to work as a CSI?
Not necessarily. The Pennsylvania State Police hires civilian forensic scientists for laboratory positions without requiring law enforcement status. Additionally, some municipal departments also hire civilian CSIs with appropriate forensic training. However, many municipal CSI positions are filled by sworn officers who receive specialized forensic training. The specific requirements vary by department and position type.
What’s the job outlook for CSIs in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 440 forensic science technicians statewide, with steady growth projected. The Lehigh County area supports about 50 positions across various agencies. Competition remains strong for positions, particularly in desirable locations like the Lehigh Valley.
Can I specialize in a specific area of forensic science?
Yes, specialization opportunities include DNA analysis, toxicology, ballistics, digital forensics, and latent print examination. Each specialty requires additional training and often a specific educational background. The Bethlehem laboratory offers positions in multiple specialty areas.
What certifications should I pursue?
The International Association for Identification certifications are most valuable, including Crime Scene Certification and specialized credentials in latent prints or forensic photography. Additional certifications from the American Board of Criminalistics enhance career prospects.
How much overtime do CSIs typically work?
Crime scene investigators often work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Crime doesn’t follow a schedule, so CSIs must respond when needed. Most positions include on-call rotations and overtime compensation for hours worked beyond the standard schedule.
What’s the difference between a CSI and a forensic scientist?
CSIs primarily work at crime scenes collecting and documenting evidence, while forensic scientists typically work in laboratories analyzing that evidence. Some positions combine both responsibilities. Career paths exist in both specializations within Lehigh County.
Key Takeaways
Starting a crime scene investigator career in Lehigh County requires strategic planning and dedication. Focus on obtaining relevant education, gaining practical experience through internships, and developing technical skills valued by employers.
The median salary of $47,880 in the Allentown-Bethlehem area provides a solid foundation for career growth, with opportunities for advancement into specialized roles and supervisory positions. Both the Pennsylvania State Police and local municipalities offer diverse career paths in forensic science.
Success in this field demands attention to detail, scientific rigor, and commitment to continuous learning. Whether you pursue civilian laboratory positions or law enforcement CSI roles, Lehigh County offers rewarding opportunities to contribute to criminal justice through forensic science.
Ready to begin your forensic science education? Research Pennsylvania’s accredited CSI programs and connect with admissions counselors to discuss your career goals and educational options.
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.
