How much does a forensic science technician make?
The median forensic science technician in the United States earns $72,060 per year, about $34.65 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all forensic science technicians earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 19-4092.
Forensic science technician salary range
Pay for forensic science technicians spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $48,250 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $117,250. The average (mean) wage of $79,200 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,250 | $23.20 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $57,830 | $27.81 | |
| Median (50th) | $72,060 | $34.65 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $94,520 | $45.44 | |
| 90th percentile | $117,250 | $56.37 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for forensic science technicians (SOC 19-4092), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Forensic science technician salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Forensic science technicians earn the most in Illinois at $124,790 a year, and the least in Arkansas at $44,670. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $124,790 | 370 |
| California | $102,100 | 2,800 |
| Connecticut | $85,910 | 120 |
| Colorado | $84,010 | 510 |
| Montana | $82,200 | 60 |
| Maryland | $82,140 | 460 |
| New York | $81,670 | 1,140 |
| Washington | $81,310 | 390 |
| Nevada | $81,090 | 360 |
| Oregon | $80,950 | 110 |
| Massachusetts | $79,320 | 290 |
| Minnesota | $76,960 | 140 |
| Vermont | $74,110 | 30 |
| Wisconsin | $72,280 | 310 |
| Idaho | $71,160 | 160 |
| North Dakota | $71,090 | 40 |
| Maine | $70,870 | 40 |
| Tennessee | $70,500 | 300 |
| Virginia | $68,900 | 770 |
| Iowa | $67,060 | 130 |
| Utah | $66,780 | 220 |
| Indiana | $66,520 | 320 |
| Oklahoma | $65,940 | 110 |
| Nebraska | $65,920 | 150 |
| New Mexico | $65,570 | 200 |
| Florida | $64,140 | 1,920 |
| Georgia | $63,600 | 550 |
| West Virginia | $63,330 | 110 |
| Arizona | $63,250 | 900 |
| New Jersey | $63,220 | 60 |
| Missouri | $62,750 | 350 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,580 | 360 |
| Kentucky | $61,470 | 60 |
| Texas | $59,870 | 1,900 |
| Alabama | $59,560 | 160 |
| North Carolina | $59,240 | 520 |
| Mississippi | $52,850 | 140 |
| Wyoming | $52,100 | 90 |
| South Carolina | $51,830 | 160 |
| South Dakota | $51,690 | 30 |
| Arkansas | $44,670 | 100 |
State median wages for forensic science technicians (SOC 19-4092), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for forensic science technicians
The BLS projects employment of forensic science technicians to grow 13.3% from 2025 to 2035. That is much faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 20,100 jobs in 2025 moving toward 22,800 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 2,800 openings a year for forensic science technicians. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a forensic science technician
The typical entry-level education for forensic science technicians is a bachelor's degree, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete moderate-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a forensic science technician earns
Degree level, employer type, and field of research drive the numbers. Roles in private industry and government labs often pay above academic and entry-level positions.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Illinois, $124,790) and the lowest (Arkansas, $44,670) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 19,120 people work as forensic science technicians in the United States. At $72,060 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Forensic science technician salary FAQ
How much does a forensic science technician make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a forensic science technician is $34.65. The middle half of forensic science technicians earn between $27.81 and $45.44 per hour.
What is the highest forensic science technician salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of forensic science technicians earn more than $117,250 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a forensic science technician make a year?
The median annual salary for a forensic science technician is $72,060. The average (mean) wage of $79,200 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a forensic science technician a well paid job?
At $72,060 a year, a forensic science technician earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 19,120 people work as forensic science technicians in the United States.
Which state pays forensic science technicians the most?
Illinois has the highest median salary for forensic science technicians at $124,790 a year. California ($102,100) and Connecticut ($85,910) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a forensic science technician a good career?
Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13.3% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 2,800 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a forensic science technician?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for forensic science technicians as a bachelor's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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