Forensic Science Technicians Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Forensic Science Technicians in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA make a median of $98,110 a year, or about $47.17 an hour. The range runs from $63K at the entry level to $134K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 113.57), so that salary is closer to $86,387 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,601/month — about 42.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $98K get you in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim?
About forensic science technicians
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Entry-level forensic science technicians (10th percentile) start around $63K. Mid-career wages sit at $98K.Top earners bring in $134K or more - a $71K spread from bottom to top.
Forensic Science Technicians pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $118K | +74% | 380 |
| California | $97K | +44% | 3,100 |
| Connecticut | $85K | +26% | 120 |
| Montana | $79K | +17% | 60 |
| Maryland | $78K | +16% | 410 |
| New York | $78K | +16% | 1,120 |
| Oregon | $78K | +16% | 110 |
| Washington | $78K | +15% | 340 |
| Nevada | $77K | +13% | 330 |
| Massachusetts | $75K | +12% | 270 |
| Kansas | $75K | +11% | 200 |
| North Dakota | $74K | +10% | 30 |
| Ohio | $73K | +9% | 470 |
| Tennessee | $71K | +5% | 320 |
| Michigan | $69K | +2% | 690 |
Track forensic science technicians salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do forensic science technicians make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median is $98,110 a year - that works out to about $47.17 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $62,920, and experienced forensic science technicians can clear $134,180. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $98K enough to live in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,012/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,601/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 43.3% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a forensic science technicians salary go in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim?
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim has a Regional Price Parity of 113.57 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median forensic science technicians salary is worth about $86,387 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do forensic science technicians get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.