Forensic Science Technicians Salary in U.S. (2024)
Forensic Science Technicians in U.S. make a median of $67,440 a year, or about $32.42 an hour. The range runs from $46K at the entry level to $111K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $67K get you in U.S.?
About forensic science technicians
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level forensic science technicians (10th percentile) start around $46K. Mid-career wages sit at $67K.Top earners bring in $111K or more - a $65K 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 U.S. numbers change.
Related careers in Science
Frequently asked questions
How much do forensic science technicians make in U.S.?
The median is $67,440 a year - that works out to about $32.42 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $45,560, and experienced forensic science technicians can clear $110,710. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $67K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,653/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 30.3% 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 U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median forensic science technicians salary is worth about $67,440 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.