Forensic Science Technicians Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Forensic Science Technicians in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA make a median of $100,800 a year, or about $48.46 an hour. The range runs from $53K at the entry level to $137K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.89), so that salary is closer to $90,088 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,001/month — about 48.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $101K get you in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
About forensic science technicians
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Entry-level forensic science technicians (10th percentile) start around $53K. Mid-career wages sit at $101K.Top earners bring in $137K or more - a $84K 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do forensic science technicians make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median is $100,800 a year - that works out to about $48.46 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $52,650, and experienced forensic science technicians can clear $137,020. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $101K enough to live in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,149/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,001/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 48.8% 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad has a Regional Price Parity of 111.89 (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 $90,088 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.